“Although your beginning may seem small, He will make your later years very great” (Job 8:7).
We have already looked at this verse on another day. There is one word in it, however, that needs to be scrutinized. The King James Version reads: “thy latter days (the last years of your life) should greatly increase.”
In the original Hebrew text, the word translated greatly is me’od (meh-ode’) and has a certain intensity about it. Me’od means “vehemence, speedily, with rapid acceleration.”
Look at an airplane going down the runway. For a time it looks as though it is barely moving. Then it begins to pick up speed. The really exciting part of the takeoff is the moment of liftoff. The plane leaves the ground and rapidly begins its ascent into the sky. Me’od is the word that the ancient Hebrews would have used to describe the acceleration and liftoff of a modem-day jetliner.
For a long time now you have been in motion. For all your efforts, it doesn’t seem that you have gone anywhere. Despite your lack of progress, you have kept trying. You haven’t quit. You have kept on “giving it your best shot.” Very soon now, a new acceleration and thrust is going to take over. Before you know it, you are going to be off and climbing, soaring to worlds unknown. All this is promised you in this verse.
Paraphrased, it comes out: “Your start may seem to you quite small and insignificant. But very soon now, and very suddenly, you will be propelled by the Lord into a larger and greater sphere of influence.”
The literal Hebrew reads: “Your start was small, your future shall rapidly increase.” Praise the Lord!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.