In a day of "small spiritual beginnings," things can be a little discouraging. The kingdom doesn't seem to be making noticeable headway, sin is ever-rampant, and opposition to the gospel seems to be growing. Things are not as they once were. The spiritual vibrancy experienced by previous generations has dwindled, and the church knows little power of days-gone-by.
In spite of the times however, we cannot allow the "littleness" of kingdom work today to discourage us. God is doing something; the foundations may be small but his promises have not failed. Indeed, they assure us of great things in the future. Things which remind us of the significance of this time, and the need to labor in it.