Is God Really Big Enough?
By: Maggie Meadows Cooper
“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:29-33
Right now our world is in the midst of a crisis. The news is full of heartbreaking stories of sickness and death. Millions of people have lost their livelihood because of quarantines. For everyone, there are more questions than answers. We have lost our sense of normalcy. We have adjusted to a new rhythm of life. Social distancing. Homeschooling. Sports, proms, senior memories left undone. Economic fears. It is overwhelming. For many of us, it brings fear, doubt, and anxious thoughts. We might even be wondering if our God is big enough to handle it all.
But then there is this:
When my youngest was two years old, she was sitting in about 2 inches of water in the bathtub. My son walked in and said, "Mom, you think that's what God looks like compared to the whole ocean?" I stopped and smiled. It was one simple question, but it made me stop and gain perspective. My sweet boy was pondering how big God really was. He realized, though he'd never seen Him, that the Lord is massive in proportion to our world. He pictured our Lord so big that the deepest ocean would only come up to his ankles! What a special reminder for those of us, like me, who tend to forget how big and great and powerful our God really is.
Whether it is fear of the virus that has overtaken you, worry over daily provision, or anxiety about what your life will be like when this is all over, none of it is too big for our God. He is the ultimate Healer. The ultimate Provider. And the ultimate Sustainer. Even now. The darkness of these days cannot hide His light. There are everyday citizens sharing food and medical supplies with others. There are men, women, and children, parking, praying, and flashing lights at hospital staff around the country to show their support. There are families joining others in singing songs of worship from their balconies. There are hundreds of posts on social media sharing scripture and faith in God. And the list goes on. In the midst of the devastation, there is still hope.
And my sweet friends, in the midst of your devastation, whether literal or figurative, there is hope, too. Isn't it amazing that the God of the universe shows himself to us in the most beautiful, little ways? You just have to keep your eyes on Him... and not your circumstances.
“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” - Matthew 14:29-33
When this time has passed, we will all breathe a sigh of relief. We will push “play” on life again. But there will still be trials. There will still be fear. And there will still be moments when you wonder if God is big enough to handle all of your problems, whether big or small.
Another pile of laundry after you JUST put them away.
Piles of dishes that never seem to end.
Another sleepless night, whether from babies, or worry.
That stack of bills on the counter.
A cancer diagnosis.
Stacks of papers to grade.
Grocery lists to make.
The loss of a loved one.
Three-year-old tantrums.
Kids fussing and fighting.
The loss of a job.
Another stomach virus.
A fight with your husband over why there are boxers on the floor... right beside the hamper.
It may be physical, emotional, financial, or spiritual. But whatever trial you are fighting right now and in the future, whatever the circumstance, remember that Jesus is there to calm your heart and mind. He wants to still the wind and the waves. He wants to bring peace into your heart. Does it mean that all of your problems will be solved overnight? Does it mean that hard things will magically disappear? Of course not. But it does mean that in the midst of them, you can have peace, assurance, joy, and the sweet release of laying your heartache at His feet in faith.
"When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last," - Revelation 1:17
Focus on the Lord, y’all. Lay everything on your heart at His feet. And whatever you do, don’t look away. He is absolutely big enough.
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of Earth,
will grow strangely dim.
In the light of His glory and grace."
- Helen Howarth Lemmel
Maggie Meadows Cooper is a wife, mother, educator, author, and blogger with a longing for women to grow a heart for Jesus and others. She is the author of the children’s book Bumper, helping others to see that the heart is what counts most. She blogs at The Little Moments about what the Lord is teaching her in everyday life and contributes to Blogs by Christian Women, Devotional Diva, She Disciples, and Connecting Ministries. An educator with an M. Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University (War Eagle!), she has eighteen years of experience teaching and currently serves as a Parent Coordinator in the Opelika City Schools. She loves all things chocolate, real Coca-Cola, and leading the FBCO Teen Moms group. She lives with her husband, three children, and two rambunctious dogs in Opelika, Alabama.
Looking for authentic conversations about how to deal with body image, insecurity, and comparison issues as a Christian woman? The Compared to Who? Podcast is the show for you! Twice a week, we tackle tough topics like dieting, disordered eating, weight loss, aging, body dysmorphia, and more from a practical, grace-filled, gospel-centered perspective.
Originally published Friday, 07 April 2023.
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