[Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Start where you are

Read: Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

Meditation verse:

“Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest” (Ecclesiastes 11:1).

The story is told of a single mother who longed to start a catering business to provide for her children. She had no startup capital, no business plan, no customers, and no professional kitchen—only a few old pots and pans in her tiny apartment. But she chose not to let what she lacked stop her.

Using what she had, she began preparing meals in her kitchen and selling them by the roadside. Her food was so delicious that word quickly spread. In no time, people came from far and near just to buy from her. Her passion, consistency, and diligence caught the attention of one of her regular customers, who was so impressed that he decided to invest in her dream. He provided a proper business premises and new cooking equipment. This once-struggling mother moved from roadside food seller to the owner of a thriving catering business—all because

she dared to start with what she had, even when her conditions were less than ideal.

In 2 Kings 4:1–7, we read about a widow facing a desperate situation. Her creditors were coming to take her sons as slaves. She cried out to the prophet Elisha, who asked her a simple but profound question: “What do you have in your house?” She replied, “Nothing except a jar of oil.” That little jar, combined with her obedience, became the key to her breakthrough. She followed Elisha’s instructions to borrow empty vessels, shut her door, and begin pouring. As she did, her oil multiplied, and her problem was resolved.

The question comes to us today: What do you have in your hands? What skill, gift, idea, or small resource do you already possess that can be the starting point for something greater? Mark Zuckerberg launched Facebook from a college dorm room. Colonel Harland Sanders began selling his now-famous fried chicken from a roadside service station. Many great things begin in small, humble places—with people who simply dared to take the first step.

Sometimes, the way forward isn’t clear. It may feel messy, uncertain, or risky. But God often requires us to move before He reveals the full picture. He told the Israelites to go forward before parting the Red Sea. Likewise, Ecclesiastes 11:4 reminds us: “Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.” In other words: stop waiting for perfect conditions—they don’t exist. Move!

Start that business with the little you have. Begin that ministry from your living room. Write the first chapter of that book, even if you’re unsure how it ends. Take the first step toward the dream that’s stirring in your heart. As you move in faith, the path will unfold. God doesn’t usually give us the full blueprint—He gives just enough light for the step we’re on. And He expects us to trust Him and move forward. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

So, step out. Use what you have. Start where you are. And watch God show up.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye

Founder: The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM)

For prayers, counselling or to support our vision of blessing more lives with this devotional, email: rockteachingministry@gmail.com

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