“Ye of Little Faith:” How Big is Your God?
“And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?’ Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm” Matthew 8:26 (ESV)
In our journey through life, all of us encounter various challenges that often seem insurmountable. At times, the weight of financial burdens, relationship troubles, health issues, and even societal oppression can press down on us with crushing force.
Yet, in the midst of these trials, we are called to remember a fundamental question:
“How big is your God?”
As Christians, we proclaim faith in a God who is not only immense in power and majesty but also intimately involved in the intricacies of our lives. The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, paints a portrait of God’s boundless presence and power and His unwavering commitment to His people.
God the Creator of the Universe
The Bible begins with the words, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). The vastness of the universe, with billions of galaxies and stars, all came into being through God’s word.
When we consider the magnitude of the cosmos, it sets the stage for understanding the omnipotence of God. If He could speak the universe into existence, what limit could there be to His power in our lives?
God the Protector and Provider
The narrative of Noah in Genesis 6-9 highlights God as a protector and provider. When the earth was consumed by wickedness, God not only judged the world but also made a way of salvation for Noah and his family.
Can you imagine the storm of emotions Noah must have felt as the storm clouds of God’s power swirled around him? Inside the ark, hundreds and hundreds of animals were packed into an improbable wooden ship built on dry land while Noah’s community scoffed at him outside the ark’s walls.
Yet through all the ridicule and doubt, Noah remained faithful. As the deluge descended on the earth, the same people who had laughed at Noah were now pounding on the arc’s walls as the waves overcame them, Noah and his family safe and protected inside.
This act shows that no situation is too dire for God to save and sustain His faithful people, even our most dire circumstances!
God the Liberator
The story of the Exodus as told in the Book of Exodus 1-15 is a powerful testament to God’s ability to liberate the faithful among His people from any bondage. Faced with the might of Egyptian slavery, the Israelites were powerless. Yet, God demonstrated His power through miraculous plagues and the parting of the Red Sea.
This liberation was not just a physical release but also a spiritual declaration that no earthly power can ultimately enslave those whom God intends to set free.
God the Defender of His People
In the confrontation between David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17), we see a young shepherd boy facing a seasoned warrior. Humanly speaking, David had no chance of victory. However, David’s trust was not in his sling or stone, but in the God of Israel.
This story illustrates that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. When we face “giants” of any form in our lives, God is our defender and strength when we come to him in obedience and trust.
God the Resurrection and Life
The resurrection of Jesus from the garden tomb is the cornerstone of our faith. It signifies God’s ultimate victory over sin and death. This miracle is a profound declaration that there is no pit so deep that God’s hand cannot lift us out.
The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in the lives of those who believe (Ephesians 1:19-20).
God the Transformer of Lives
The transformation of Saul into Paul (Acts 9:1-19) is one of the most dramatic narratives in the New Testament. Saul, who once persecuted Christians with zeal, was transformed by an encounter with Christ into Paul, a devoted apostle who spread the gospel tirelessly across the ancient world.
This transformation showcases God’s ability to change hearts and repurpose lives for His glory.
Do you know someone where God has transformed their heart or their life to create in them a renewed spirt, where they have “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24)?
Maybe that someone is you! Most certainly it was me.
The Breath of the Church
At Pentecost (Acts 2), the Holy Spirit was sent to breathe life into the church, empowering ordinary men and women to do extraordinary things in the name of Jesus.
The ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit in the church reminds us that God is always with us, guiding, empowering, and comforting us through every season of life.
Our Response to God’s Magnitude
Reflecting on these truths, we come back to our question: how big is our God?
Is He big enough to handle our financial struggles, relationship issues, health problems, or the oppressive situations we may find ourselves in? The unequivocal answer is yes. Our God is more than capable of overcoming any challenge we face.
The challenge for us is not in questioning God’s ability but in cultivating a faith that trusts Him completely. When we understand the vastness of God’s power and love, our perspective on our problems changes. We begin to see our challenges through the lens of God’s sovereignty and goodness.
As we face each day, let us live in the confidence that the God who created the universe, who performed miracles throughout history, and who promises to return again, is in control. Our God is bigger than any mountain we face.
With such a God, no challenge is too great, no enemy too strong, and no situation too desperate. Our God is bigger than all of it, and in Him, we find our victory.
May God continuously lead your path