Faithfulness In Small Steps

A couple of years ago, I read an excellent book entitled Atomic Habits  by James Clear that I highly recommend as a resource for working toward being your best self in the new year (or any time).  

There was one big idea in the book that resonated with me: the power of small steps in changing habits that don't serve you.  This particular quote was one that I highlighted: 

“All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger. Roots entrench themselves and branches grow. The task of breaking a bad habit is like uprooting a powerful oak within us. And the task of building a good habit is like cultivating a delicate flower one day at a time.”

When we imagine becoming better versions of ourselves, we often picture dramatic change. Yet most spiritual growth happens more steadily as we adopt a system of habit-forming that replaces good habits with not-so-good ones.  

The new year invites us to make the kinds of changes in our habits that enable us to act more faithfully to become our best selves. And faithfulness rarely announces itself. It shows up in choosing kindness when it would be easier to withdraw, in praying when words feel thin, and in continuing to love even when results are unclear.

The ancient prophet Zechariah’s words echo into our longing for change: “Do not despise the day of small things” (Zechariah 4:10). The habits we form, the rhythms we keep, and the choices we repeat slowly shape who we are becoming.

Small steps matter because they are sustainable. They ground us in reality rather than fantasy. When we work on changing even the smallest habit that isn't serving us, we will move toward transformation.  

Replacing screen time with a daily prayer, a weekly Sabbath practice that doesn't involve work, a commitment to listen more deeply rather than being surrounded by noise—these are not flashy resolutions, but they are deeply transformative.

As the year unfolds, resist the temptation to measure progress only by visible success. Trust that God is present in the unnoticed moments, forming you through persistence and grace.

Becoming a better version of ourselves is not about speed. It is about direction—choosing, again and again, to walk toward love, truth, and wholeness, and changing our habits to help us along the way.  

Prayer
Faithful God, help me trust the power of small steps. Give me patience with the process and confidence that you are at work, even when growth feels slow. Amen.

Reflection Questions

1. What small practices might God be inviting me to commit to this year?

2. Where have I seen growth emerge slowly in my own life?

3. How can I learn to value faithfulness over quick results?