What’s Big for You?
When opening a group meeting, or in a conversation, my friend Tim regularly asks, “What’s big for you?” It’s a relevant question, as everyone, on different levels and varying degrees, faces big things in life. Big things, I’m sure you’ve guessed, refer to problems, challenges, concerns, or hurts, common to all.
It’s comforting to know the Bible addresses these big things, referring to them as cares, trials, worries, burdens and anxieties. Additionally, Jesus invites us to come to Him with our big things unashamedly and confidently, knowing He cares, loves us, and has the power and desire to help us.
Biblical Truths Concerning Big Things
The following are a few critical biblical truths to connect to when facing big things.
Big things are not a punishment from God. Instead, they are a result of life in this broken world (John 16:33 AMP).
Our Faith in God does not exempt us from big things, but it does provide a pathway forward through them (1 Corinthians 10:13 MSG).
A godly perspective of big things reduces their size, causing us to see them for what they truly are: temporary, brief and subject to change (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NLT).
Our big things, whether standard-sized, large, or truly colossal, are no match for our infinitely bigger God (Jeremiah 32:17 GNT).
Godly Responses to Big Things
The Scripture is forthright in stating, “[righteous people] face many troubles…” (Psalm 34:10 NLT). By this we know troubles are inevitable. So, while we cannot always control the big things we face in life, we can most definitely choose the way we respond to them.
Prayer
One of the most effective responses to our big things is prayer. In fact, the Scriptures tell us, “The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) is able to accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power” (James 5:16 AMP). What better incentive could we possibly have to pray?!
The Word of God
God has graciously given us His Word, not simply so we could know it, store it away for the future, or worse yet, forget about it all together. Rather, God gave us His Word so we could thrive at all times, and through all things, including the big things. Jesus reinforced this truth by saying, “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4 NLT.)
Gratitude
Our circumstances, favorable or challenging, must never determine the level of our gratitude. When facing big things, we may be tempted to place our “gratitude attitude” on temporary hold. Yet, this is never a good idea. Instead, we must offer God our thanks continually. Sometimes this flows naturally, other times it is an act of our will, and at other times it is a sacrifice. The truth is, our big things are bound to change, but our God never will. This is why we must “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for [us] in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV).
Worship
Worship is not based on feelings. If it were, our worship to God would be inconsistent and sporadic, like the emotions that drive our feelings. Because God is forever the same, our worship to Him must never diminish. Instead, we must choose in advance of the big things we face to “raise our hallelujah” no matter what. By making this choice, God is honored, others are encouraged, and we are supernaturally lifted above our circumstances.
So, today, if you're facing something big, know this: you are not alone, as God is with you continually, for you eternally, and loves you tremendously. And finally, determine in your heart to never lose hope, as somehow in His way and in His time, God always transforms our big things, causing them to work together for our good and His purpose (Romans 8:28 AMP).
Author’s Note
Three weeks ago, I had surgery to replace the shunt in my brain. I have this shunt due to hydrocephalus, a condition I have lived with most of my life, resulting in many hospitalizations and 14 surgeries to date. This is big for me. Yet, it is no bigger than the big things each of you have faced, are facing or will face.
The good news for all of us, is God is with us in our big things. In addition, we have one another, so we are never alone. And for this reason and incredibly more, we have every reason to be grateful.
Pray
Father God, thank you for being my ever-present God at all times and in every season. I take confidence knowing you are with me when I face challenges, and I am encouraged knowing my big things are no match for your greatness and power! I love and praise you forever, Amen.
Reflect
In what way(s) has adopting a godly perspective helped you as you’ve faced big things?
Encourage others with your response to this week’s question HERE!