Day 7: Celebrating Small Wins
Appreciating progress, no matter how small
1/19/20253 min read
"Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the Lord that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?"
– Zechariah 4:10 (NIV)
Reflection
Have you ever felt like your efforts didn’t count until you achieved that big milestone? Maybe you’ve thought, “I’ll be successful once I have that certificate,” or “I’ll be truly happy when I own my own house.” It’s so easy to tie our joy and sense of accomplishment to the end goal while overlooking the progress we’re making along the way.
I’ve felt this way too. Writing these daily devotionals was one of those times. I had a plan: a set number of days to finish writing everything. But as the deadline approached, I realized I wasn’t even halfway through. Self-doubt crept in, whispering, “Do you really have anything meaningful to say?” I had to pause and remind myself of two truths: first, these words aren’t just mine; they are God’s message to you and me. And second, progress over perfection. Just because I wasn’t where I thought I should be didn’t mean I wasn’t moving forward.
The Bible gives us a beautiful example of celebrating small wins in 1 Samuel 14. King Saul had placed a heavy oath on his men, forbidding them from eating until evening, when he hoped to have avenged his enemies. The men, weary and hungry, stumbled upon an abundance of honey in the woods but didn’t dare touch it. Then came Jonathan, unaware of his father’s decree, who tasted the honey and then found strength.
Jonathan’s words resonate deeply:
"My father has made trouble for the land. See how my eyes brightened when I tasted a little of this honey."
– 1 Samuel 14:29
This story is a reminder that denying ourselves the joy of small victories can leave us drained, just as Saul’s men were distressed and weakened. On the other hand, tasting the sweetness of small wins—those little milestones along the way—refreshes us, brightens our spirits, and renews our strength for the journey ahead.
Celebrating small wins doesn’t mean settling for mediocrity or losing sight of the bigger picture. Instead, it’s about living with gratitude, appreciating the progress you’ve made, and finding joy in the journey. Zechariah 4:10 tells us not to despise the days of small beginnings because the Lord rejoices in the work we start. Do you see! Our Father delights in every step we take, no matter how small, because He sees the end from the beginning.
Jonathan’s next words in 1 Samuel 14:30 drive this point home:
"How much better it would have been if the men had eaten today some of the plunder they took from their enemies. Would not the slaughter of the Philistines have been even greater?”
When we pause to celebrate the small victories, we strengthen ourselves for the battles ahead. Think of it as a taste of honey, a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come, and a source of renewed energy to keep going. These moments of gratitude and acknowledgment aren’t about premature gratification; they’re about recognizing that you’re growing, progressing, and becoming more of who God has called you to be.
Celebrating small wins is as simple as offering a prayer of thanks, giving yourself a gentle pat on the back, or saying to yourself, “Well done!” It’s taking a moment to breathe, to savor the sweetness of progress, and to remember that every step counts.
Celebrate one small win from this week, no matter how small it seems. Write it down, say a prayer of thanks, and let it be your taste of honey to brighten your spirit and strengthen your resolve.
Celebrate that you’ve come this far in this journey. It’s Day 7 and you’ve been here every day. Well done!
Father, thank You for the gift of progress and the reminder that every step I take matters to You. Teach me to see the beauty in small victories and to celebrate them with a heart of gratitude. Help me to keep moving forward, trusting that You delight in my journey and have great things in store. May my eyes stay bright, and my heart stay strong as I walk the path You’ve set before me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.