Looking Back at Small Beginnings

One important verse during this season is Zechariah 4:10:

“For who hath despised the day of small things?”

I think most of us appreciate that verse in theory, but living it out can be much harder.

We live in a world that celebrates big numbers, rapid growth, and visible success. It’s easy to look at what someone else is doing and wonder if our own efforts matter. It’s easy to become discouraged when growth feels slow or when the work we’re doing seems unnoticed.

What I’ve learned over the last three years is that God often works differently than we expect.

Most of the time, obedience doesn’t feel dramatic. It doesn’t look like standing on a stage or making a major announcement. More often, it looks like taking the next step God has placed in front of us and trusting Him with the results.

For me, that looked like writing one blog post at a time. It looked like pressing publish when nobody was waiting for it. It looked like creating content that encouraged others while trusting God to place it in front of the people who needed it most. Later, it looked like starting a podcast even when I wasn’t sure what I was doing.

Over time, God has taught me something incredibly freeing: He rarely asks us to carry the entire ministry. He simply asks us to carry today’s assignment.

When I remember that, the pressure lifts. I don’t have to know the outcome. I don’t have to see the full plan. I simply have to be faithful with what He’s placed in my hands today.

Encouragement in Chaos Became More Than a Slogan

When I first chose the phrase Encouragement in Chaos, I knew it described what I wanted to share with others. What I didn’t realize was how often I would need that reminder myself.

Life doesn’t stop being messy simply because we’re trying to serve God.

There are still seasons of uncertainty. There are still busy days, unexpected changes, and moments when we wonder what God is doing. There are still times when the to-do list feels overwhelming and the path ahead seems unclear.

Yet through all of those seasons, God has remained faithful.

Somewhere along the way, I realized that Encouragement in Chaos wasn’t just something I was writing about. It became something I was living. God wasn’t asking me to encourage people from a place of having everything figured out. He was teaching me to encourage others while trusting Him in my own imperfect journey.

God isn’t waiting for our lives to become perfectly organized before He shows up. He meets us in the middle of the mess. He walks with us through the uncertainty. He remains faithful even when we can’t see what He’s doing behind the scenes.

That’s a lesson I continue to learn over and over again.

The People Behind the Screen Matter

One of the greatest blessings of this journey has been realizing there are real people on the other side of the screen.

When I first started writing, I didn’t know who would read the posts. I didn’t know who might stumble across an encouragement article, a podcast episode, or a social media post. I certainly didn’t know how many friendships and connections would be formed along the way.

Over the years, I’ve received comments, emails, messages, and conversations that reminded me God was using this ministry in ways I couldn’t see.

Every time someone takes a moment to leave a comment, send an email, or share that something encouraged them, it does something to my heart.

It’s hard to explain.

There is a warmth that comes from knowing God used something you shared to encourage another person. Not because it makes you feel successful or accomplished, but because it reminds you that you’re exactly where God wants you to be.

There have been moments when I questioned whether what I was doing mattered. There have been seasons when I wondered if anyone was reading, listening, or being encouraged at all. Then a message would arrive at exactly the right moment.

Sometimes it was a comment.

Sometimes it was an email.

Sometimes it was a simple note saying, “I needed this today.”

Those moments reminded me that obedience is never wasted. They reminded me that there are real people carrying real burdens, and that God often uses simple words of encouragement to help lighten the load.

What God Has Taught Me About Faithfulness

As I reflect on these past three years, there are a few lessons that stand out above the rest.

God often asks us to take the next step before revealing the entire path. If I had waited until I understood everything, I never would have started. If I had waited until I felt fully prepared, I would probably still be waiting today.

I’ve also learned that ministry happens in ordinary places. It isn’t confined to a church building or a platform. Some of the most meaningful opportunities to encourage others happen in everyday conversations, ordinary moments, and seasons that seem unremarkable at the time.

Perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned that God can use willing people who are still growing.

I certainly haven’t arrived. I’m still learning. I’m still growing. I’m still trusting God one step at a time. The beautiful thing is that God doesn’t require perfection before He can use us. He simply asks for obedience.

Looking back, I can also see how God has often used the very things I was tempted to quit.

There were moments when I questioned whether continuing was worth the effort. Moments when I felt discouraged or wondered if I was making any difference at all. Yet time and time again, God would send encouragement at exactly the right moment. He would use a message, a conversation, or a simple reminder to reassure me that faithfulness matters even when we can’t see the results.

Those experiences have taught me that God is always working, even when His work isn’t immediately visible.

Prefer to Listen?

Listen to the full podcast episode here:

Season 2, Episode 13: One Year Later—What God Has Taught Me Through Makin’ Macon

Looking Ahead

As I look toward another year of blogging, podcasting, and encouraging others, my prayer remains the same prayer it was when Makin’ Macon began:

“Lord, let this reach the person who needs it.”

Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or you’ve just recently joined this community, thank you for being part of the journey. Thank you for reading, listening, commenting, and allowing me to encourage you along the way.

Most of all, thank you for reminding me that there are real people behind every view, every download, every message, and every interaction. Your encouragement has often encouraged me right back.

No matter what season you’re walking through today, I hope you’re reminded of this truth:

God has not left you.

He’s still working.

He’s still faithful.

And He’s still right there in the middle of the mess.

Keep Exploring Makin’ Macon

If you’re new here, I invite you to take a look around. Whether you’re looking for faith-filled encouragement, homemaking inspiration, essential oil blends, family-focused content, or simple recipes to share around the table, you’ll find a little bit of everything here at Makin’ Macon.

My heart has always been to offer encouragement in the middle of real life, and I pray something you find here points you closer to Jesus and reminds you that you’re not walking through life’s chaos alone.

Be sure to explore the blog, listen to past podcast episodes, and join the Stay Rooted email community for weekly encouragement delivered straight to your inbox.

The Fruit of the Spirit Doesn’t Grow Overnight

Galatians 5:22-23 says,

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…”

And something that has stood out to me before is that Scripture says fruit, not fruits.

It is one fruit with many different aspects growing from the same root.

I think sometimes we separate them in our minds and focus only on the ones that feel easier or more natural to us. Maybe we feel strong in kindness, but weak in patience. Maybe we are faithful in one area, but struggling to walk in peace somewhere else.

But the goal is not to pick and choose which parts of spiritual fruit we want growing in our lives.

As we stay rooted in Him, we should desire all of these things to be developed in us.

Not perfectly overnight, but progressively as we mature and continue walking with the Lord.

When we read those verses, it’s easy to admire them from a distance. We want those things in our lives. We want to be known for peace, patience, kindness, and self-control.

But fruit doesn’t appear overnight.

And honestly, I think sometimes we expect spiritual growth to happen far faster than it actually does.

We pray one prayer and expect instant patience. We ask God to help us, then wonder why we still struggle in hard moments.

We want growth without process.

But real growth rarely works that way.

And honestly, we understand that concept naturally in almost every other area of life.

You do not hand a baby a steak and expect them to know how to handle it. They begin with milk first, and as they grow and mature, they slowly become able to handle stronger things.

Spiritually, I think we sometimes forget that same principle applies to us.

Hebrews 5:13-14 says,

“For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe: But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age…”

Growth happens progressively.

Maturity develops over time.

Prefer to listen? You can hear Part 1 here:

And yet so many times we become frustrated with ourselves because we are not spiritually mature overnight. We expect ourselves to instantly respond with patience. We expect immediate peace. We expect instant growth after one prayer at the altar. But spiritual fruit is developed little by little as we continue walking with Him.

Fruit grows slowly.

Long before fruit is ever visible on a tree, something is happening beneath the surface. Roots are growing deeper. Strength is developing where no one else can see it yet.

And spiritually, I think God often works the same way. Some of the deepest growth in our lives happens quietly. Through ordinary days, stretching seasons, and moments that require us to choose Him again and again.

Romans 5:3-4 reminds us,

“…tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope.”

That means even the hard seasons are not wasted.

Sometimes the very situations we wish would disappear are the exact places where God is developing fruit in us.

What Pressure Reveals

One thing I’ve learned is this: whatever is rooted deeply inside of us eventually comes out. Not just in the big spiritual moments, but in everyday life.

In the way we respond when we’re frustrated, the way we speak when we’re tired, and the way we handle pressure when things don’t go according to plan.

Eventually, the fruit of the Spirit becomes visible.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:20,

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”

That verse is not meant to condemn us. It’s meant to make us pause and reflect. Because whatever we are feeding spiritually will eventually grow.

If we constantly feed fear, bitterness, pride, anger, or anxiety, those things eventually begin surfacing in our words, reactions, and attitudes. But when we stay rooted in Him, the fruit of the Spirit slowly begins growing in our lives over time.

And maybe slowly is not a bad thing. Maybe slow growth creates deeper roots. Maybe the process is what keeps us dependent on Him instead of ourselves.

The Growth You Cannot Yet See

I think this is the part we struggle with the most.

We want visible progress. We want to know something is happening, and we want proof that God is working.

But some of His deepest work happens beneath the surface where no one else can see it yet.

Philippians 1:6 says,

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

God is still working.

He is still shaping, still pruning, and still growing fruit in places that do not look finished yet.

And maybe some of you need this reminder today: Just because growth feels slow doesn’t mean nothing is happening.

Some seasons are root-growing seasons.

And roots matter.

A mature tree can withstand the winds pushing against it because its roots have grown deep.

And spiritually, deep roots are what keep us standing when life becomes difficult.

Staying Rooted While the Fruit of the Spirit Grows

So if you’ve been discouraged by where you are spiritually lately, don’t uproot yourself just because growth feels slow.

Stay planted, stay surrendered, and stay rooted.

Keep praying, keep showing up, and keep allowing the Lord to work in the areas that still need growth. Because what is growing in you today will eventually produce fruit tomorrow.

And in time, what God is doing inside of you will become visible for others to see.

If this encouraged you, I’d love for you to share it with someone else who may need the reminder today.

And if you’re looking for more encouragement like this, be sure to visit the Encouragement section here on Makin’ Macon.

You can also join the Stay Rooted email where I share gentle weekly encouragement, real life reflections, and reminders to stay grounded in Him right in the middle of everyday chaos.

And remember, I’m always praying for you, even if I don’t know who you are.

A Faith That Is Passed Down Through a Mother’s Faith

Paul reminded Timothy of something powerful, and he didn’t just reference it—he said it plainly:

“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.” (2 Timothy 1:5, KJV)

That word unfeigned means sincere. It’s real, not forced, not something put on for others to see. It was a faith Timothy had seen before it ever became his own. It lived in his grandmother, then in his mother, and eventually in him.

That kind of faith doesn’t come from one moment or one message. It comes from being around it, watching it, and experiencing it lived out day by day. Paul was intentional to point that out because Timothy’s walk didn’t start with him; it was shaped by what was lived in front of him.

He didn’t just inherit words. He inherited a walk. He saw what sincere faith looked like when life was normal, when it was hard, and when no one else was around.

That’s what “unfeigned faith” looks like in real life. Not perfect, but consistent. Not loud all the time, but present. A faith that shows up again and again, even in the small moments.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 reminds us,

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children…”

Notice it begins in the heart before it is ever taught. What lives in us is what is passed down—and often, it’s passed down quietly.

The Seeds We Don’t Always See

That truth has played out in my own life in ways I didn’t fully recognize at the time.

I remember sitting in my car, pregnant with my first, listening to music. I turned it up, and I could feel her moving. It may sound simple, but I remember thinking she was going to love music—and I wasn’t wrong.

I led worship while pregnant with both of my kids, and now they both love to sing.

To this day, our kids walk around singing constantly. You’ll even find my daughter standing on the stage with the praise team, worshipping with everything she has.

And I can’t help but see the hand of God in that.

But even before that, there were seeds being planted in me.

I can remember waking up as a child in the middle of the night and hearing my mom or my dad praying in the living room. They didn’t realize I was listening, but I was, and something inside of me was being shaped in those quiet moments.

Looking back now, I realize something… those moments didn’t look important at the time. They didn’t feel like anything life-changing was happening. But they were laying a foundation I didn’t even recognize yet.

And that’s what makes this next part so important, because the moments that feel the smallest are often the ones doing the deepest work.

When It Doesn’t Look Like It’s Working

I remember sitting on the pew as a child, scribbling on paper while church went on around me. To anyone watching, it probably looked like I wasn’t paying attention at all.

But something was stirring. Something was taking root.

Now I’ve watched my own kids do the same thing. They sit with us in service, they watch, they follow, and they mimic our posture of worship. They see more than we realize, and that’s the part we have to hold on to.

Because if we’re honest, there are moments we wonder if any of it is sticking. Moments where it feels like we’re repeating ourselves, correcting the same things, or trying to hold their attention while everything else pulls at them.

It’s easy to walk away from those moments thinking, “Did any of that matter?”

But just because it doesn’t look like it’s working doesn’t mean God isn’t working.

Isaiah 55:11 reminds us that His Word will not return void. Even when we don’t see immediate results, God is still moving beneath the surface.

And I want to speak to that season when your children are little and you’re trying to nurture them in church. There are services where it feels like you didn’t hear a single word the preacher said because you were tending to a child at your feet.

But listen to me clearly… that is one of the most vital times to teach your children about church.

You didn’t just sit on the pew waiting for them to grow up—you brought them with you. You took them up front and showed them how to worship. You showed them what it looks like to pray in the altar. You let them see it, feel it, and be a part of it.

It may have felt chaotic in the moment, but you were teaching something deeper than words ever could. You were showing them how—and that stays with them.

If you’ve ever struggled with staying focused in the middle of life’s noise, you may also be encouraged by my post, Guarding Your Heart in a Noisy World.

When You Feel Like You’re Failing

And if we’re honest, this is where it can get the hardest.

I know the feeling of wondering if you’re doing enough, if your children will make it, and if you’re getting this right.

Was I too harsh just now? Did I handle that the right way? Am I leading them well spiritually, or just trying to get through the day?

Those quiet questions can weigh on you more than anyone else ever sees.

But then there are moments that remind you otherwise.

Moments where you see conviction in your child’s heart, moments where you watch them worship freely, and moments where you realize something deeper has taken hold.

And in those moments, the Lord gently reminds you that He is faithful to what has been planted—even when you feel like you’re falling short.

Galatians 6:9 encourages us,

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

What you are doing matters, even when it feels unseen.

This part of the conversation continues here:

When They Have to Choose for Themselves

There is something else we need to talk about, because this is real life.

Sometimes, even when you have prayed, taught, shown them, and lived it in front of them… your children may still walk away.

And that can feel like the deepest kind of heartbreak.

It can make you question everything. Did I do enough? Did I miss something? Did I fail somewhere along the way?

But listen to me clearly… their choice is not a reflection of your failure.

There comes a point where faith becomes personal. Where what they have seen must become what they choose. Your responsibility was never to control the outcome. It was to be faithful in the teaching, the showing, and the loving.

Because even if they walk away for a season… it’s still there.

What was planted doesn’t disappear. The prayers, the Word, the example—it all remains.

Proverbs 22:6 reminds us,

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

That doesn’t mean there won’t be seasons of wandering, but it does mean what was planted has a way of calling them back.

So we don’t give up.

We keep praying. We keep loving. We keep trusting God with what we cannot control. Because He cares for their soul even more than we do, and He knows how to reach them in ways we never could.

The Kind of Faith That Speaks Without Words (A Mother’s Faith in Action)

All of this comes back to a simple truth.

This kind of faith doesn’t have to be loud, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. It simply has to be real.

It’s the kind of faith that shows up in the middle of an ordinary day—the kind that chooses patience when you’re stretched thin, grace when you’re frustrated, and prayer when you don’t have the words.

What your children see consistently will shape what they believe deeply. Not just what you say on your best days, but what you do on your hardest ones.

Because they are watching how you handle pressure, how you respond when things don’t go as planned, and what you turn to when life feels overwhelming.

And it doesn’t stop inside your home—people are watching your life too.

Not for perfection, but for something different. Something steady. Something real.

A faith that doesn’t just speak when it’s easy… but lives even when it’s hard.

A Gentle Reminder

So if you’ve been wondering if what you’re doing matters… it does.

You don’t have to do this perfectly, and you don’t have to have all the answers. You simply have to remain faithful—to pray, to show up, and to live a life that reflects Him in the smallest moments.

Proverbs 31:28 says,

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed…”

That kind of fruit doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from a life faithfully lived before the Lord.

Because the faith you are living today is planting something for tomorrow, and God is faithful to grow what you’ve been sowing.

Even on the days you feel unseen, Heaven sees every seed you’re sowing. And in His timing, He is faithful to bring growth in ways you may not even realize yet.

If this encouraged you, I’d love for you to share it with another mom who may need it today.

And if you’re not already part of our Stay Rooted emails, I’d love for you to join us for weekly encouragement.

You can also find more encouragement just like this by visiting the Encouragement tab on the blog.

And remember… I’m always praying for you—even if I don’t know who you are.

Faithfulness and Character Go Together

In our last episode, Faithful in the Small Things: Finding God in Everyday Faithfulness, we talked about being faithful in the small things. This builds directly on that, because faithfulness and character are closely connected.

Faithfulness is often what people see on the outside. Character is what God is shaping on the inside. And many times, the two grow together.

God is not just interested in what we do for Him. He is working on who we are becoming as we walk with Him.

The Fruit of the Spirit

One of the clearest pictures of Christian character is found in Galatians 5:22–23:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance."

Notice it says fruit, not fruits.

These qualities grow together as the Spirit works in our lives. Love shapes how we treat people. Peace steadies us when life feels overwhelming. Patience develops when we are stretched. Self-control grows when our emotions want to take over.

This kind of growth does not happen overnight. It develops over time as we continue walking with God.

What’s in the Heart Comes Out

Jesus gives us a clear picture of this in Luke 6. He explains that a good tree produces good fruit, and a corrupt tree produces corrupt fruit. The fruit always reveals the condition of the tree.

Then in Luke 6:45 He says:

"For of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."

Jesus also says in Matthew 15:18 that what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart.

In other words, what is inside of us will eventually come out of us.

We have all had moments where something comes out of our mouth and we think, where did that come from?

But the truth is, it was already there.

Pressure has a way of revealing what is inside. That is why Scripture teaches us to guard our hearts. When our hearts are filled with frustration, bitterness, or pride, those things will show up in our words.

But when we allow God to fill our hearts with His Word, His peace, and His perspective, those are the things that begin to come out instead.

Character Is Built in the Everyday

Building Christian character does not usually happen in big, dramatic moments. Most of the time, it shows up in everyday situations.

It may look like choosing patience when someone is short with you. It may look like responding kindly when you feel frustrated. It may look like pausing before you speak and asking the Lord to guide your words.

These are the places where character is practiced and strengthened.

A consistent walk with God makes a difference in these moments. Time in prayer softens our hearts. Time in Scripture helps guide our thinking. Staying connected to the Lord helps us respond instead of react.

A Life That Reflects Christ

Our character becomes a testimony to the people around us.

The way we respond, the way we treat people, and the way we carry ourselves says something about the God we serve. Often, our actions speak long before we ever say a word about our faith.

The word Christian means Christ-like. None of us live that out perfectly, but as God continues to work in our hearts, our lives begin to reflect Him more and more.

Sometimes it is those quiet moments of kindness, patience, or grace that God uses to draw someone else closer to Him.

Growing One Step at a Time

If you feel like God has been working on your heart lately, that is a good thing.

Character is not built in one big moment. It grows through everyday choices, little by little, day by day.

God is patient with the process. He is not asking for instant perfection. He is asking us to keep walking with Him and to allow Him to keep shaping our hearts.

Over time, those small changes begin to reflect something beautiful… a life that looks more like Christ.

Let’s Stay Rooted

If this message encouraged you, I’d love for you to share it with someone who may need the same reminder.

If you would like more encouragement like this, you can sign up for the Stay Rooted email list where I share weekly encouragement to help you stay grounded in your walk with God.

And remember…I’m always praying for you, even if I don’t know who you are.

The Seed That Doesn’t Look Like Much

Imagine someone handing you a tiny seed and asking you to take care of it.

It doesn’t look like much. It’s small and easy to overlook. If you dropped it, you might never find it again. But that small seed holds the potential to become something far greater than what you can see in the moment.

If you water it, protect it, and tend to it, it grows. But if you ignore it because it seems too small to matter, that potential is lost before it ever has the chance to develop.

Our walk with God often looks the same way. We can be so focused on the big moments that we forget God is watching how we handle the small ones.

Faithfulness Starts Small

Jesus makes this clear in Luke 16:10:

"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much."

At first glance, that verse sounds simple. But when you really sit with it, it shifts how you see your everyday life.

Faithfulness is not proven when everything is big and visible. It is revealed in the quiet places where no one else is watching.

This reminds me of the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30. One servant was given five talents, another two, and another just one. The ones who used what they were given were trusted with more, but the servant who hid his talent out of fear lost even what he had.

The point was never how much they started with. The point was what they did with what they had been given.

And the same is true for us. God is not asking us to compare our lives to someone else’s. He is asking us to be faithful with what He has placed in our hands.

Where Faithfulness Is Formed

Most of life is made up of ordinary moments.

Small responsibilities, small acts of obedience, and small decisions that no one else sees are where faithfulness begins to take root. It’s waking up tired and still choosing to pray. It’s showing kindness when you’re frustrated. It’s continuing to serve even when you feel unnoticed.

Those moments may not look significant, but they matter deeply to God because they are the places where character is formed.

Throughout Scripture, we see that God often prepares people quietly before He entrusts them with more. David was tending sheep long before he faced Goliath. Joseph was faithful in a prison cell before he ruled in Egypt. The disciples followed Jesus in ordinary, daily life before they ever stood before crowds.

Faithfulness grows in the ordinary places, and that means the small things in your life right now are not wasted.

What Faithfulness Looks Like in Real Life

Faithfulness shows up in ways we might not always notice.

It can look like returning extra change to a cashier when no one would know if you kept it. It can look like choosing patience when someone speaks harshly to you, even when you are already having a difficult day. It can look like choosing integrity when it would be easier to cut a corner.

These are the moments that feel small, but they are the very places where faithfulness is developed.

Something I have learned over the years is that a consistent prayer life changes how we respond in those moments. When we spend time with the Lord, He shapes our hearts, steadies our emotions, and reminds us who we represent.

Faithfulness is not just lived out on Sunday morning. It is lived out on Tuesday afternoon in the middle of a grocery store, in conversations at home, and in the quiet choices we make throughout the day.

Faithfulness in the House of God

Another part of faithfulness that often gets overlooked is simply being in the house of God.

There are real seasons when life makes it difficult, and that is understood. But when we are able, being present matters more than we sometimes realize.

There is something strengthening about gathering with other believers, hearing the Word, and worshiping together. Many times we walk into church tired or distracted and leave encouraged and refreshed.

That is why mid-week services can be such a gift. They act as a reset, helping steady our hearts and giving us strength to keep walking faithfully through the rest of the week.

Faithfulness often looks like simply showing up and placing ourselves where God can speak to us.

The Roots You Cannot See

So much of what God is doing in our lives happens beneath the surface.

It looks like continuing to pray for your family even when you do not see change yet. It looks like raising your children to love the Lord in the middle of long and exhausting days. It looks like serving faithfully even when no one seems to notice.

Those moments may not look impressive to the world, but they matter deeply in the Kingdom of God. They are the places where trust is formed and where faithfulness grows strong roots.

Just like a seed develops underground before anything is visible above the surface, God often works in quiet places before He brings visible growth.

One Faithful Step at a Time

Life can feel overwhelming at times. Responsibilities pile up, emotions run high, and it can feel like you are just trying to keep your head above water.

But walking with God does not happen all at once. It happens one faithful step at a time.

We are not called to rush spiritual growth. Just like a child grows over time, our faith develops step by step. Many of those steps happen in ordinary moments where we simply choose to be faithful.

A Gentle Reminder

If your life feels ordinary right now… if your faithfulness feels quiet… if you wonder whether the small things really matter…

Remember this.

God sees every faithful step. Nothing done for Him is ever wasted. The small acts of obedience you make today are building something far stronger than you may realize.

You do not have to do something big to be faithful. Start with what is right in front of you. Choose honesty, choose kindness, choose prayer, and choose to keep showing up where God is working in your life.

Those small choices, day after day, are how a faithful life is built.

Let’s Stay Connected

If this message encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who may need the same reminder.

If you would like weekly encouragement like this, you can join the Stay Rooted email where I send faith-filled encouragement straight to your inbox to help you stay grounded in God’s Word even when life feels chaotic.

And remember… I’m always praying for you, even if I don’t know who you are.

When Obedience Meets Resistance

Living for God is not always easy.

Not because He stops being faithful. Not because His Word stops being true. But because obedience often runs straight into resistance.

That’s exactly what we see in the book of Haggai.

God’s people had returned from exile just like He asked them to. They began rebuilding the temple. They were doing what they were supposed to do.

But then opposition came.

Fear crept in. Discouragement followed. And slowly, almost without noticing it, the work stopped.

The Subtle Shift

What makes this story so relatable is that they didn’t turn away from God completely.

They simply shifted their focus.

Instead of continuing the work, they turned inward. They focused on their homes, their comfort, and their sense of stability. They told themselves, “The time has not come.”

Not never… just not now.

And if we’re being honest, that’s where many of us find ourselves.

When things get hard, when resistance feels heavy, it becomes easier to focus on what feels manageable… our routines, our responsibilities, the things we can control.

There’s nothing wrong with caring for your home or your family. God never rebuked them for that.

The issue was priority.

God’s house was neglected while personal comfort was protected.

“Consider Your Ways”

One of the most powerful moments in Haggai is when God speaks to His people and simply says, “Consider your ways.”

He wasn’t yelling. He wasn’t condemning. He was calling them to pause and look honestly at where their time, energy, and focus had gone.

And that same question applies to us today.

Where has resistance caused us to pull back?

Where has fear quietly redirected our focus?

Where have we labeled something as “waiting on God” when it may actually be retreat?

When Tiredness Shifts Our Focus

One of the hardest parts of walking with God is learning how to stay focused when we’re tired.

Because tiredness doesn’t just affect our bodies… it affects our perspective.

When we’re weary, we become more vulnerable to distraction, more drawn to comfort, and more likely to choose what feels safe over what requires faith.

And the enemy doesn’t always try to pull us into obvious sin.

Sometimes he simply tries to wear us down.

He presses on our schedules, our finances, our families, and our peace until obedience starts to feel overwhelming.

God’s Answer to Fear

God’s response in Haggai is simple, but powerful:

“My Spirit remains among you. Fear ye not.” — Haggai 2:4–5 (KJV)

God wasn’t asking them to rebuild in their own strength. He was reminding them that His presence had never left.

And the same is true for us.

We are not called to carry the weight of obedience alone. We are called to trust the One who is with us.

Choosing Kingdom Over Comfort

There’s a tension here that we all feel… the pull toward comfort and the call toward obedience.

The desire for stability… and the invitation to trust God fully.

Jesus made it clear that Kingdom work would require something from us. Not just when it’s easy. Not just when it fits into our schedule. But even when it stretches us.

Because what God is building is always greater than what we would build on our own.

The Promise That Keeps Us Moving

God gives His people a promise in Haggai that still speaks today:

“The latter glory of this house shall be greater than of the former…” — Haggai 2:9 (KJV)

In other words… what He is doing now will be greater than what has been.

But it requires something from us.

It requires that we keep going, that we don’t retreat when it gets hard, and that we don’t trade obedience for comfort.

A Gentle Heart Check

If this stirred something in you, take a moment to sit with the Lord.

Not in guilt. Not in pressure. But in honesty.

Ask Him to show you where your focus has been. Ask Him to help you discern the difference between rest and retreat.

Because sometimes obedience looks like slowing down… and sometimes it looks like pressing through.

And learning the difference is where growth happens.

Let’s Stay Connected

If this post encouraged you, I’d love for you to share it with someone who may need it too.

If you’d like weekly encouragement like this, you can join the Stay Rooted email list. It’s a simple way to stay grounded in truth right in the middle of everyday life.

And remember, I’m always praying for you, even if I don’t know who you are.

Beautiful Feet and Readiness to Go

There’s a reason Scripture places so much emphasis on our feet.

Our feet represent movement. Direction. Obedience. They tell the story of where we’re willing to go — and whether we’re prepared to get there.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation…”
Isaiah 52:7 (NIV)

This verse has always stirred my heart, but recently it’s taken on deeper meaning. Beautiful feet aren’t about appearance — they’re about purpose. They belong to people who are willing to carry the good news wherever God sends them.

Paul echoes that same truth when he writes:

“How can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”
Romans 10:15 (NIV)

And then Luke reminds us that this journey isn’t reckless or rushed — it’s guided:

“…to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
Luke 1:79 (NIV)

Those verses began turning over in my heart because they all point to the same truth: God cares deeply about where our feet are headed — and whether they’re ready to go.

Standing Firm Requires the Right Fit

Now, you wouldn’t go walking — let alone running — in a pair of high heels and expect to get very far. You’d lace up a good pair of tennis shoes instead. Not because they’re flashy, but because they’re designed to support you, steady you, and help you get the most out of what you’re doing.

That choice isn’t accidental. You choose the right shoes based on where you’re going and what you’re about to face. The wrong shoes might look fine at first, but they won’t carry you very far — and they certainly won’t help you stand firm when the ground gets uneven.

Scripture reminds us that our spiritual walk requires that same kind of intentional preparation.

Scripture tells us:

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.”
Ephesians 6:14 (NIV)

And then it continues:

“And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
Ephesians 6:15 (NIV)

That word fitted caught my attention in a deeper way.

The Greek word used here for readiness speaks of firm footing — a foundation that allows you to stand, move, and walk with confidence. Just like proper shoes.

If your shoes don’t fit, you won’t walk far. You’ll stumble. You’ll be distracted. You’ll constantly be aware of the discomfort instead of where you’re going.Prefer to listen? You can hear this encouragement here:

Prefer to listen? You can hear this encouragement here:

Standing Firm Requires Readiness and the Right Fit

The verse right before our key Scripture tells us to stand firm. That matters.

Standing firm doesn’t mean standing still. It means being anchored — steady enough that when God says go, we’re not knocked off balance by fear or doubt.

Being fitted with the gospel of peace prepares our feet, and being ready prepares our heart.

The word translated readiness in Ephesians 6:15 comes from the Greek hetoimasia, meaning foundation, firm footing, preparation, readiness. It carries the idea of something that has been made ready ahead of time — not rushed, not thrown together, but intentionally prepared.

That depth matters.

One commentary that deeply spoke to me explained it this way:

The Gospel brings peace in the deepest sense of that word — primarily peace with God — from which all other kinds of tranquility flow. But what is striking is that this peace appears in the middle of a picture of battle. The Gospel brings us peace first, and then says, “Now, having peace in your heart because you have peace with God, go out and fight to keep it.” There is no real peace that does not include conflict, and the Gospel is the Gospel of peace precisely because it enlists us in Christ’s army and sends us out to fight His battles.

MacLaren’s Expositions

That truth reframes everything.

Peace doesn’t remove the battle — it positions us for it.

That kind of readiness doesn’t come from having all the right words memorized or feeling confident all the time. It comes from time spent with the Lord — prayer that softens our hearts, fasting that sharpens our spiritual focus, and digging deeper into His Word until truth becomes louder than the lies.

Because the enemy loves to sneak in with doubt. He whispers that we’re not enough, that we don’t know enough, that someone else would be better suited. But when we’ve been with God — when we’ve stood firm in Him — those lies don’t hold the same power.

Readiness says, I may feel weak, but I am willing.

And God can work with willing.

When Fear Meets Calling

I’ll be honest — and this still isn’t easy to admit.

I was raised a pastor’s kid, and now I’m a pastor’s wife. I’ve been around Scripture, church, and ministry my entire life — and yet I still wrestle with fear when it comes to witnessing.

I’ve never felt like I knew enough. Even now, I find myself praying that God would put the words in my mouth when the moment comes.

Yet, that familiar whisper still creeps in: 

You’re not enough.
You don’t know enough.
Someone else could do this better.

It’s a battle I’ve faced for as long as I can remember — not because I don’t love the Lord, but because the enemy knows exactly where to press. He uses familiarity to breed doubt and responsibility to stir fear.

But God gently reminds me:

“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” 
2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)

In moments like this, I’m reminded that God has always met His servants right in the middle of their fear.

Jeremiah felt it. He didn’t believe he had the words — and yet Scripture tells us:

“Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, ‘I have put my words in your mouth.’” 
Jeremiah 1:9 (NIV)

Moses did the same thing. He questioned his ability, his speech, his adequacy — and still God called him forward, promising to go with him and speak through him.

God has never asked us to rely on our own strength or our own words. He has always promised to walk us through what He calls us to.

And in our weakness, His strength is still enough.

Readiness for Where God Is Sending You

This verse isn’t new to me. But its depth is.

If your feet are fitted properly, they’ll take you places you’ve never been before. You’ll walk with confidence. You’ll feel prepared. You’ll sense calm instead of panic when the moment comes to speak truth.

We are called to reach the lost — not just with our words, but with our lives. To live the same in private as we do in public. To be a light.

Jesus said:

“Go therefore and teach all nations…”
Matthew 28:19–20

That calling applies to every believer — including me… and you.

Peace… In the Middle of the Fight

What continues to settle in my spirit is this truth: the gospel of peace doesn’t remove the battle — it changes how we step into it.

We don’t put on the gospel of peace so we can retreat or stay comfortable. We put it on so we can move forward without losing our footing.

Peace with God steadies us. It quiets the chaos inside long enough for us to hear His direction and obey, even when the road ahead feels uncertain.

That kind of peace doesn’t come from avoiding conflict — it comes from trusting the One who walks with us through it.

A Simple Prayer from My Heart

Before you move on today, I want to invite you to pause for just a moment — right where you are.

You may not feel ready. You may feel uncertain, hesitant, or even afraid. But God knows exactly where your feet are today, and He knows where He’s leading you next.

If it helps, make this prayer your own:

Lord, lead me. Keep my feet ready. Fit me with the gospel of peace. Send me where You desire — and give me the courage to go.

I don’t want to be unfruitful. I want to walk faithfully. Help me trust You even when fear tries to slow me down.

May my feet be ready to carry Your truth wherever You send me.

Amen.

If this encouragement met you right where you are, I want you to know — this is exactly why Makin’ Macon exists.

Through Stay Rooted, I send weekly encouragement straight to your inbox — simple reminders to slow down, stay grounded in God’s Word, and keep walking faithfully even when life feels overwhelming. It’s a space for Scripture, reflection, and grace-filled truth for the season you’re in.

You can also explore more encouragement here on the blog — from faith-filled reflections to everyday reminders that you’re not walking this journey alone.

No pressure. No perfection required.

Just an open invitation to stay rooted, keep moving forward, and trust God with every step.

We’re learning, growing, and taking steps of faith together — one fitted step at a time.

Remember, I’m always praying for you — even if I don’t know who you are.