Introduction: God is Bigger Than Your Problems
In life, we all face challenges—some small, others seemingly insurmountable. Yet, no matter how overwhelming these problems might seem, there’s one undeniable truth: God is always bigger than our problems.
Often, our perspective can make our challenges appear larger than they are, but when we view them through the lens of God’s sovereignty and power, they diminish in comparison.
God’s Strength is Limitless
Let’s start by reflecting on the words of the prophet Isaiah. In Isaiah 40:28-31, the passage says,
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
This scripture reminds us that the Creator of all things, the One who laid the foundations of the universe, does not grow tired.
His strength is infinite. In comparison to Him, our problems—no matter how overwhelming—are minuscule.
When we trust in Him, when we wait upon Him, He renews our strength. He lifts us up, so we can soar on wings like eagles.
We run and do not grow weary; we walk and are not faint. God’s power is limitless, and when we rely on Him, we tap into that endless reservoir of strength.
Ever-Present Help in Times of Trouble
This assurance of God’s strength and presence is echoed in the Psalms. In Psalm 46:1, it says,
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Notice the phrase “ever-present.” God is not a distant, detached deity; He is right there, in the midst of our chaos, offering refuge and strength.
Even when the world feels like it’s falling apart, when everything seems out of control, He remains our unshakeable foundation.
The psalmist continues in verses 2-3,
“Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”
This is not a denial of trouble’s reality but a declaration that, even in the gravest circumstances, we do not need to fear because God is with us.
Jesus Has Already Won the Victory
Jesus Himself addresses this in John 16:33, saying,
“In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus didn’t promise a life free of difficulty. In fact, He clearly states that trials are inevitable.
But He doesn’t leave us in despair. Instead, He offers us the ultimate assurance: “I have overcome the world.”
The One we follow has already won the victory. Our troubles, while real, are not the final word. They are temporary, but His triumph is eternal.
Faith is Seeing God in the Midst of Problems
Here’s where I want to add my personal reflection: Faith is seeing God when you are surrounded by problems.
Faith isn’t just about overcoming obstacles; it’s about shifting your focus upward, to the One who holds the world in His hands.
Faith doesn’t deny the existence of problems. Instead, it acknowledges them while choosing to trust in the God who is bigger than them.
When we focus on our problems, they grow. But when we focus on God, our perspective changes, and we realize that nothing is too difficult for Him.
The Peace That Transcends Understanding
The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:6-7, writes,
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This passage gives us practical steps for living out our faith in times of trouble. Instead of allowing anxiety to consume us, we are invited to bring everything—our fears, our worries, our uncertainties—before God in prayer.
And when we do so, His peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds. This peace doesn’t come from the absence of problems but from the presence of God in the midst of them. It guards our hearts and minds, keeping us steady in the storm.
Joy Comes in the Morning
One of the most profound promises found in scripture is in Psalm 30:5,
“For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
This verse paints a beautiful picture of hope and restoration. God’s discipline or the trials He allows are momentary.
They are for a season, meant to refine us and draw us closer to Him. But His grace, His favor, lasts for a lifetime.
Even in the darkest night of our soul, when it feels like the tears will never stop, we can hold on to the promise that morning is coming. Joy is on its way. Our weeping is temporary, but His joy is eternal.
God’s Discipline is Brief, His Grace is Forever
Psalm 30 reminds us that God’s discipline is brief, but His grace is forever. Similarly, our problems, no matter how overwhelming they may feel in the moment, are fleeting in comparison to the eternal grace of God.
His mercy endures forever, and His love never fails. The trials of this life, no matter how intense, are temporary. But the grace, favor, and joy that come from God are eternal and far outweigh any suffering we may endure.
Conclusion: Focus on God’s Greatness, Not Your Problems
In conclusion, we often make the mistake of focusing too much on our problems, allowing them to overshadow everything else.
We magnify them in our minds and, in doing so, diminish the greatness of our God. But true faith does the opposite.
Faith magnifies God and, in doing so, puts our problems in their proper perspective. Scripture repeatedly reminds us that God is bigger than our problems.
He is with you, strengthening you, guiding you, and He has already overcome the world. As we place our trust in Him, we will find the strength to endure and the joy to overcome.
Remember, faith is not the absence of problems but the presence of God in the midst of them. Trust in Him, and He will carry you through.