April 10, 2026
— Elijah Coleman Bridgman · Source: Journal, Dec. 12, 1829 (on the voyage to China), in Eliza J. G. Bridgman, The Pioneer of American Missions in China (1864), pp. 32–33
Job 8:7 Though you were little at the beginning, in the end you will be great.
Bridgman sailed for China at a time when Christian preaching there was strictly forbidden; in his shipboard journal he called himself "small," yet sensed that his conduct might affect all China, and so he asked God for wisdom. As the Book of Job says, the value of things lies not in the grandeur of their beginnings, but in whether their roots are connected to God. We often worry about the "smallness" of our present actions, forgetting that great undertakings often begin with a mustard seed. True faith is seeing the forest in the wilderness, and perceiving the eternal measure in mundane work. As long as our direction is aligned with God, even if we stumble today, our influence will transcend time and space, fulfilling His predetermined purpose.
Loving Heavenly Father, thank You for inspiring me through the examples of the sages. Lord, when I feel humble and powerless in the face of life's challenges, open my eyes and let me see the infinite possibilities behind a small beginning. Strengthen my resolve, so that in the workplace, at home, and in ministry, I may raise the banner of truth like a flag. May my life be rooted in You, and may I not despise any small effort I make today. Expand my horizons, so that in Your grace, my humble beginnings may ultimately flourish, until Your timeless purpose is fulfilled. Amen.