Small Steps, Seen by God

‘For God is not unjust; he will not overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do.’ Hebrews 6:10 (NRSVUE)

Have you ever felt like your life had grown stagnant — as though the energy you once had has thinned out, and the work you do no longer seems to bear fruit? The early Christians felt that too. The author of Hebrews was writing to believers who were tired, discouraged, and tempted to drift backward into what felt familiar. They weren’t failing; they were weary. So he urges them, “let us go on toward perfection,” not as a demand but as a gentle encouragement to keep moving forward in faith.

Recently I listened to a conversation with motivational speaker Mel Robbins. She described how, at the lowest point in her life, the first step toward healing was simply getting out of bed each morning with the intention of facing whatever the day might bring. It wasn’t magic. It wasn’t sudden inspiration. It was one small act of courage repeated day after day.

I’m not endorsing a “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” kind of Christianity. What I’m saying is that God recognizes our struggles, and those small steps we take do not go unnoticed. The quiet, unimpressive acts — rising to meet the day with gratitude, offering one prayer, doing one small kindness, opening Scripture even when it feels dry — are seen by God. 

And more than that, they are signs of the Holy Spirit at work within us, shaping us, strengthening us, and drawing us toward the perfection we seek. Hebrews reminds us that God does not overlook such things. What feels like survival to us is what God sees as faithfulness. And in those still seasons, when we feel stalled or spiritually fatigued, God is already renewing strength we didn’t know we had.  

May every small step you take today remind you: God remembers your work. God honors your love. And God meets you in the quiet places where you choose to keep going.

Lord, when my spirit feels tired and my days feel still, help me take the next small step of faith. Strengthen me in the quiet places, remind me that you see what I cannot feel, and renew my heart with your steady grace. Amen.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Tim