This morning, while writing my prayers to God, I was reminded of the little victories He has been giving me through this blogging journey. It’s almost two months since I started writing, and as I look back, my heart is filled with gratitude.
I see growth—not only in the blog itself but also in my own life. My writing has become more consistent. I’ve gained confidence in sharing my thoughts. I’ve been learning how to communicate more clearly. Most importantly, God has allowed me to meet new brothers and sisters in Christ through this space. Building a community of readers, subscribers, and fellow Christians has been such a joy.
But beyond the metrics and milestones, what brings me the deepest joy is that I get to write for the Lord. Every post, every story, every reflection is for His glory.
And yet, one particular event in this journey led me to deeper reflection and prayer: my approval in Google AdSense.
A Surprising Little Victory
One ordinary day, while browsing the backend of my website, I saw the option to apply for Google AdSense. I thought, Why not try? I didn’t expect anything because I had read that it usually takes six months or more for Philippine-based websites to get approved. Still, I submitted the application and placed it in the back of my mind.
A month later, to my surprise, an email arrived: I was approved.
You would expect me to jump with excitement. And honestly, I was grateful. But instead of rushing to celebrate, I felt something else: a nudge in my heart to pause. To reflect. To bring this little victory before God.
The next morning, during my quiet time, I prayed:
“Lord, I am very grateful for this. I know You are the One orchestrating everything that’s happening in this blog. Please guide me through it, sustain me in it, and do not give me anything when I am not ready yet. Don’t allow me to receive blessings that will lead me away from Your presence or cause me to rely on provision more than on You.”
It was a prayer of both gratitude and surrender. Because deep inside, I was a little afraid—afraid that these small victories could distract me from God Himself.
The Fear of “Having”
It may sound unusual, but I realized I was a bit scared of having good things.
I knew the enemy could twist blessings into distractions. Even things meant for good—like blog growth, community support, or income—could become pitfalls if my heart shifted away from God.
This sabbatical has been teaching me something precious: the peace and joy of depending on God day by day. I’ve been learning to ask Him each morning, “Lord, what do You want me to do today? How do You want me to use what You’ve given?”
This simple rhythm of reliance has been a gift. It has given me rest, clarity, and a renewed mind. And while God is placing new burdens on my heart—like discipleship and stewarding this blog—I want to remain anchored in Him.
Learning from Solomon
During my quiet time, I was reminded of the story of Solomon in 1 Kings 3. When God asked him what he desired, Solomon didn’t ask for wealth, long life, or victory over enemies. Instead, he asked for wisdom:
“So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.”
(1 Kings 3:9, NIV)
This pleased the Lord so much that He not only gave Solomon wisdom but also granted him wealth and honor.
But as Solomon’s story unfolds, we see both the blessings and the warnings of God. Time and again, God reminded Solomon that His promises would remain—if Solomon obeyed and walked faithfully with Him. Sadly, Solomon later drifted away, marrying foreign wives and worshiping their gods. His heart turned from the Lord, and God’s judgment followed.
This story struck me deeply. It’s both inspiring and sobering.
I found myself praying, “Lord, if You ever choose to give me more, please equip me first. Guard my heart. Let the Holy Spirit lead me and protect me from falling.”
Because just like Solomon, I know how fragile the human heart can be. We may start with humility and dependency, but it’s easy to drift when blessings grow.
Three Lessons to Keep Our Hearts Aligned
As I reflected on Solomon’s story and my own journey, God reminded me of three simple yet powerful guidelines to help us remain faithful, especially in seasons of blessing:
1. Put God First in Everything
When blessings come, it’s tempting to let them take center stage. Work, ministry, finances, or even “small victories” can easily become our focus. But Jesus reminds us:
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” —Matthew 6:33, NIV
Putting God first means prioritizing time with Him. Meeting Him in prayer and worship should never be squeezed out by busyness—even if it’s “good busyness.”
Practical ways to apply this:
- Start your day with quiet time before checking emails or notifications.
- Dedicate your best energy to prayer, not just your leftover time.
- Ask God for direction before making decisions, big or small.
When we put Him first, everything else falls into its rightful place.
2. Stay Rooted in His Word Daily
The Bible is not only a source of encouragement but also a safeguard. It keeps us grounded when success tempts us to drift. It reminds us of God’s commands, promises, and even His warnings.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet, a light on my path.”
—Psalm 119:105, NIV
Reading God’s Word daily is like building spiritual “roots.” Without it, we become like shallow soil that cannot hold blessings.
Practical ways to apply this:
- Set aside a specific time daily to read—even if just one chapter.
- Keep a journal to reflect on what God is teaching you.
- Memorize verses that remind you of His character and promises.
The Word doesn’t just inform us; it transforms us and protects us from drifting.
3. Remember God’s Grace Through Jesus Christ
No matter how much we try, we will stumble. Even Solomon—who was the wisest man alive—fell. That’s why we must never rely on our own strength but on the grace of God through Jesus Christ.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”
—2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV
When we fail, we must remember the cross. We must run back to Him, confess, and receive His forgiveness. His grace restores us, lifts us, and helps us walk again.
Practical ways to apply this:
- Practice quick repentance. Don’t let guilt linger—bring it immediately to the Lord.
- Remind yourself that your worth is not in achievements but in Christ alone.
- Extend grace to others, just as you have received it.
Remembering grace keeps us humble. It reminds us that everything we have is because of Him—not because of us.
A Few Cents, A Greater Provision
As of today, with Google AdSense activated, I’ve earned only a few cents. To the world, it might look small, but to me, it’s a reminder: God provides in His timing.
These cents don’t compare to the provision God gives me daily—food, shelter, community, peace of mind, and the joy of His presence. But if one day, God chooses to use this blog as a means of sustenance, then all glory still belongs to Him.
The real victory is not in the cents earned, but in the faith built.
Final Encouragement
Friend, maybe you’re also in a season where God is giving you “little victories.” It could be progress in your career, healing in your family, breakthroughs in your finances, or growth in your ministry. Celebrate them—but also pause and bring them before the Lord.
Ask yourself:
- Am I putting God first in this season?
- Am I staying rooted in His Word?
- Am I resting in His grace when I stumble?
Let’s remember: blessings are not the destination. God Himself is.
Reflection Questions
- What “little victories” has God given you recently? How did you respond?
- Which of the three reminders (putting Him first, staying rooted, remembering grace) do you need to strengthen in your life today?
- How can you ensure that blessings draw you closer to God rather than distract you from Him?
A Prayer to Hold Onto
Lord, thank You for the little victories You bring into our lives. Thank You for Your guidance, Your Word, and Your grace. Teach us to put You first in everything, to stay rooted in Your Word daily, and to remember the cross when we fall. Guard our hearts from pride and distraction. May every blessing point us back to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Let’s Grow Together in Faith
If this post encouraged you, I’d love for you to be part of this growing community. This blog is not just about my journey—it’s about us walking together with the Lord, encouraging one another, and growing in faith day by day.
Here are a few simple ways you can support and stay connected:
- Subscribe to receive new posts directly in your inbox so you won’t miss any reflections or encouragement.
- Like and share this post with a friend who might need a reminder of God’s faithfulness today.
- Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear your own “little victories” and how God has been at work in your life.
Your presence here means so much to me, and together we can build a space where stories of God’s goodness continue to inspire others. 💛
Faithfully,
Yani 💛
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- Is Jesus Truly Lord in Your Life? 3 Practical Ways to Live in Obedience
- The Weight of the Cross: Why Did Jesus Have to Die?
- How to Live Out the Great Commission: 4 Ways to Share the Gospel Daily
- 3 Anchors That Will Keep Your Week Aligned with God (No Matter What Happens)
- How I Start My Day with God: My Morning Routine as a Christian Writer (and Why It Matters)
- Writing to Serve: 3 Anchors That Keep My Blog Rooted in Christ
- What Does It Take to Build a Small Group? 3 Lessons from My Journey in Discipleship
- Why I Took a Sabbatical at the Peak of My Career (And 4 Things to Consider Before You Do Too)
- God’s Faithfulness in the Wilderness: What My Sabbatical Taught Me About Rest and Provision
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