How Big Is Your God?
All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47
How you handle life depends on how big you believe God is. If He’s too small: 1) You’ll live in constant anxiety thinking everything depends on you. 2) Your outlook will be dictated by your surroundings – or worse, your critics. 3) Without the acceptance of a loving God you’ll be a slave to people’s opinions. 4) You’ll constantly crave recognition because you don’t understand that ‘your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you’ (Matthew 6:4). Author John Ortberg says that when we make the mistake of shrinking God, we ‘offer prayer without faith, work without passion, service without joy, and suffering without hope – which results in fear, retreat, loss of vision, and failure to persevere.’ When Goliath threatened the Israelites, ‘they were dismayed and greatly afraid’ (1 Samuel 17:11). They didn’t think their God was big enough for the job. But not David! ‘Let no one’s heart fail…your servant will…fight…this Philistine. The Lord…who saved me from…the lion and…bear, will [save us now]’ (1 Samuel 17:32, 37). You can face anything when you know what David knew – ‘the battle is the Lord’s’. And He’s never lost one yet! So you don’t have to depend on your own resources. David may have felt small, but he knew his God was big enough for the job. Do you know that? Eighteenth-century Anglican clergyman John Newton said, ‘If the Lord be with us we have no cause for fear. His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer, His grace sufficient, [and] His promises unchangeable.’ It all depends on how big your God is!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me for thinking and acting as if You were smaller than You are. Help me step forward with what You place before me knowing YOU ARE THERE. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
This is a very wonderful devotion. I appreciate it much. I must trust God more and not see him as little. I must see him as big. I have lots of anxiety. I have OCD.
This is so beautifully explained. I am saving this to read over and over again. To remind myself how big my God is and how my good deeds and labor in life is not to be done for self recognition.
Thank you for this message Pastor Charlie
Tim, a positive note on David?? You must be a little stressed! LOL,,
Tim, I think John Phillips wrote an interesting book entitled “Your God Is Too Small”.
Blessings,
Ken Carlson
Ezra, the comfort dog, is truly my best friend. Why? I met Ezra on March 5. It was love at first sight. I was given a card with Ezra’s picture on it. Last week, I contacted you for the first time. Since then I have received three wonderful messages from you. Each of them has touched my life as I try to be like Jesus to others and to see Jesus in others. I send you a personal email about our True Happiness Plan for God’s people. I hope you can find time to call me and talk to me about our daily walk with Jesus. Thanks for your words, for Ezra, and to God for bringing us together. God said: “Care-encourage-love-listen-forgive one another no matter what.”
Thanks Tim!
Words we all need to be reminded of!!
Linda G.