Small Hallelujahs

Years ago, I had two major hip surgeries six weeks apart. As a result, I had to learn how to walk all over again. Each day was a task due to my mobility being limited. I wasn’t able to do simple tasks such as touch my toes, stand up or even walk. I needed to have help to shower and get dressed. I couldn’t even put on my own socks and shoes. I had to work back up to doing all of those things and that is exactly what I was determined to do. I had to push through the pain and make small steps towards recovery. During therapy, I celebrated every accomplishment. Afterward, I continued to do so until I was able to regain full function of my legs.

If I had focused on the end result only and not the small victories in between, I would have been overwhelmed. We do that a lot in life. We get so caught up in where we are temporarily and reaching a particular goal that we fail to celebrate what God is doing in the meantime. Each process takes time and has steps. The steps are even more important than the end goal because something powerful happens to us as we navigate through them. We develop and become more like Christ.

It is during the process that we are transformed and grow. That is why it’s so important for us to celebrate the steps as what I call small hallelujahs. Small hallelujahs bring about a breakthrough. Small hallelujahs are the stepping stones to our success. Therefore, we must not discount their value. How do we celebrate them? 1 Thessalonians 5:18 states, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”. In doing so, we are giving God praise for each part of our progress, showing gratitude for the journey, and acknowledging Him at work. Although sometimes in pain, I praised God from the first time I had to move after surgery up to being able to completely walk again. Now, every step is literally a “Hallelujah” because I can remember when I wasn’t able to. I am not only able to walk now but I have no pain in my hips and that’s more than enough to give God praise. Prior to surgery, I experienced many years of chronic pain so I’m grateful for my healing. Did I mention that those were my second hip surgeries with the first being at the age of 9? God has done it for me not once but twice!

In addition, our praise and demeanor in tribulation encourages those around us. While recovering, I met so many people who were inspired by what they saw God doing in my life.

So, I ask. What are you facing today? Philippians 4:13 says,” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. God will not only give you the strength to make it but the grace to see you through to your breakthrough. We don’t have to wait until it is finished. We can praise Him in the thick of it.

Why should we? Our small hallelujahs lead to big breakthroughs. Big breakthroughs bring GREAT glory to God.