How Big is God?

"How big is God? How big and wide his vast domain.
To try and tell, these lips can only start.
He's big enough, to rule this mighty universe.
Yet small enough, to live within my heart."

Those are the words to an old song that asks that question, “How big is God?” God is GOD -- all knowing, all powerful, no beginning or ending. God sees the least little sparrow fall and He sees me when I fall. He has eyes EVERYWHERE – all the time. Psalm 121:4 says “He never slumbers or sleeps.” That scripture reminds me that I might as well get some shut-eye because there is just no point for both of us to stay awake.

Though we try to figure Him out and put Him in a box -- there's just not one big enough. I heard this story: "A man was trying to size up God and asked Him 'God, how long is a million years to you?' God replied 'A million years is like a second to me.' The man then asked 'How much is a million dollars to you?' God replied 'A million dollars is like a penny.' The man smiled and asked 'Could you spare a penny?' God smiled back and said, 'Sure, just wait a second.'

Out all of his "vast domain" and out of all His creation, we must be His favorites. Just think about it. God placed intellect, creativity and genius in us to come up with so many incredible inventions and discoveries. That shows He really did make us in His image to create, to never say “never”, to always say “It’s possible”, because the intricate working of our own minds is fashioned after our God Who made us.

We should never minimize the incredible beings that God made us to be. Psalm 8:6 says “God made man a little less than the angels and crowned us with “glory and honor”. The Psalmist also proclaimed in Psalm 8:5 that God is “mindful” of us. He keeps his eye on us, not because He is looking for mistakes or for us to fall, but because He takes delight in us. He enjoys seeing all that we can accomplish.

That sounds way too wonderful, especially when we consider our failures and limitations. We think “How can God rejoice in me? I have too many character flaws; I have too many problems; I’m nowhere near the kind of disciple I should be.” But that’s not how God sees us. He doesn’t look only at who we are right now; He sees who we can become. He sees the person He has created us to be: kind, loving, generous, humble, and faithful. And through his Holy Spirit, He has given us the ability to overcome any obstacle we may encounter.

THE GOD of the universe is our loving Father and He knows us by name. His arms are outstretched to us 24/7. I started this post with that old song and the last line sums up the greatness of our God. He's big enough to rule the mighty universe, yet small enough to live within our hearts.

Maybe it's time for you to become acquainted with YOUR indescribable, all powerful, unchangeable -- AMAZING God...for yourself. His ginormous arms are outstretched to you today.

What if Blessings Come From Raindrops?

Day 306 of Photo Inspirations -- What If Blessings Come From Raindrops?
I loved hearing Laura Story's story.  There’s no denying some of the blessings in her life. She wrote the No. 1 worship hit “Indescribable” recorded by Chris Tomlin, married a handsome athlete the next year, and began working in music and women’s ministry at the 4,000-member Perimeter Church in Atlanta. Her national debut won a Dove Award for Inspirational album and earned Laura two consecutive nominations for Female Vocalist of the Year—all blessings, indeed.

But amid that success, a brain tumor hospitalized her husband that he continues to battle today. The faith Laura sang about was put through the unexpected fires of fear as her husband had to be on breathing machines and he had significant post-operative vision and memory loss. She said, "I spent my whole life singing,  'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,' but until Jesus took me through something where my only option was to trust Him, I didn't really know that sweetness.  It's hard to understand why God would allow us to go through this, but I know He works all things together for good.  Though He leads us through valleys, that's when we get to trust Him and draw closer to Him all the more. Though I've doubted, His grasp has never released, never slipped. He's remained completely faithful to me. He has proven that He really is my foundation and my hope."

She went on to say, "I'd like to tell those of you who are in really tough times.... "God will fix your situation.  But, He just may not fix it.   Scripture doesn't promise we'll understand everything while we're on this side of heaven, but it does tell us the broken things in this life will find their greater purpose in His story of redemption.  God promises there is purpose for the pain we're going through.  He promises He's doing something greater when we don't understand it.  1 Peter 3:15 says "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."

I know what's she's saying. I've had to give reasons for the hope and peace I have.   During my husband's illness and his graduation to heaven, people would ask me,  "How can you have so much joy?"  And, like Laura, I'd say "My joy is found in Jesus.  It's not found in my circumstances.  I can't guarantee things will get better.  But I can guarantee I'M going to get better.  Life isn't all good....but God promises He will work it ALL together FOR GOOD for those who love Him. (Romans 8:28).

I urge you to listen to this beautiful song, written and sung by Laura.   Perhaps it's a "rainy" season in your world today -- this song just may give you the encouragement you need to realize that though it might be raining, God's plans  include the SUN shining again and you will COME BACK stronger, wiser, and more joy-filled, if you let Him fill you up with His goodness and mercy.  What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CSVqHcdhXQ