Have you ever tried to fetch water from a tap that was barely dripping?
So slow, so annoying, that you got frustrated and left it alone, maybe even went to use the restroom or do something else to pass the time. Only to come back and find the bucket nearly full?!
Yes, that is what progress looks like sometimes.
When you monitor it like a hawk, you may not notice it. But when you keep going consistently and quietly, it builds, it accumulates slowly but surely. One day, what felt like a trickle becomes a bucket full.
We are now in the second half of the year!
Many people began January with fire in their bones, visions mapped out and leakproof resolutions. Some were determined to finally walk away from old patterns. Some were ready to chase new dreams, start new businesses, or leave toxic jobs and some just wanted to become more like Christ.
And truly, that is beautiful.
However, six months later, reality is not matching the dreams. You might feel like you are still where you were. Or worse, like you took a few steps forward only to fall again or take even more steps backwards.
What if there was a progress tracker?
A board that does not just show where you are but measures the tiniest acts of faithfulness and progress. A board that shows how you took one hard step forward when everything in you wanted to quit.
That time you prayed even when you did not feel like it.
That day you chose not to reply in anger.
That moment you said no to what used to enslave you.
What if God noticed those moments? (which He did of course)
Now imagine you are allowed to look at that board. To your surprise, you are not at the starting line anymore. Maybe you are two, or even seven steps ahead of where you were in January!
What would you do?
Chances are, you would feel encouraged. You would say, “Let’s go again.” You would press in. Try harder. Trust again. Put in more because now you are hopeful!
What if this message is for you?
What if God has been tracking your progress and whispering, “Well done” more often than you realize?
If you are serious-minded, sincere-hearted, and have remained in the fight, even if limping, you have made progress. Now, I am not saying you should cuddle yourself into complacency. I am saying, be gracious to yourself. Be faithful in little. Keep pouring those tiny drops. Keep showing up.
Yes, little drops of water make a mighty ocean.
Keep going.
Keep giving thanks to God.
Review yourself and activities with honesty.
Refresh your goals.
Seek God’s face afresh.
Ask for strength for the next lap.
Remember, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” (Zechariah 4:10)
You are making progress. Keep going.
But…. maybe you are reading this and thinking, “I haven’t even moved. I started nothing. I have gone nowhere. I am still exactly where I was in January.”
Honestly? The very fact that you are reading this right now means something inside you wants change. That is a step in itself. And God sees that. Don’t let shame make you sit still. Don’t let fear or failure keep you on the ground. If you can’t take a giant leap today, just take one step.
Pray.
Open your Bible again.
Write the vision down again.
Make the call.
Send the email.
Visit that orphanage home again.
Say yes to the next right thing.
You were made for more, you can be more and you can begin again.
