Big Picture.

Have you ever seen a movie based on a book you've read?

When something bad happens, the whole audience gasps, basically sucking the air out of the theater. But not you. Because you've read the book. You know how it all plays out. You know how the good guy gets out of the tight spot in the end.

I think this is how God views our lives, with that same confidence of knowing the outcome. The difference is, He didn't read your story, He wrote it.

Sometimes we have a tendency to make a big deal out of not so big things.

What we count as a complete disaster, God sees as a tiny little issue that will pass.

Why? Because He knows the outcome of your story. He sees the big picture. And He's asking you to trust that the little speed bumps in your life, the mole hills that you see as mountains, will not only pass, but lead you to a life of recognizing the power and glory of God.

All the Small Things

I'm sure when David was staring at an overwhelmingly massive giant, the tiny river pebble in his hand seemed a little impractical and pointless.

But God used it to topple Goliath.

And I'm sure that staff in Moses' hand felt like a toothpick in comparison to the massive sea ahead and Pharoah's army right on his tail.

But God used it to carve an escape route for the Israelites through the parted Red Sea.

And I'm sure Dorcas' sewing needle seemed tiny and insignificant in comparison to a whole world full of needy people.

But God used it to provide clothes and paint a picture of love to widows and orphans.

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin..." - Zechariah 4:10

Nothing is too small to be used by God.

A tiny seed will eventually grow into a mighty oak tree.

God inhabits the tiny seed. And He empowers the tiny deed.

Never underestimate God's active power in your small actions.

Let Him use you in a big way through small steps.

Have a great weekend, guys! See you Sunday morning for Part 2 of our Hostage series!

Hostage

hos·tage (noun)\ˈhäs-tij\ - one that is involuntarily controlled by an outside influence

Cages. Chains. Handcuffs. Straight jackets. Blindfolds.

We've all got them. But they may be called different names.

Like bitterness. Or lies. Or worry. Or addictions. Or anger.

These are the things that keep us from growing deeper in our relationship with Christ.
These are the things that bind us to the world, and not our Eternal King.
These are the things that rob us from the true joy and peace and satisfaction that God is yearning to pour over us.
These are the things that hold us hostage.

We are about to start a new series at Switch MSM called Hostage.

What is your captor? We're all held hostage by something. Maybe it's fear, pride, lust, jealousy, or any number of other things that divert your attention from the goal Christ has set before you.

But here's the good news: Our ransom has been paid in full. The son of the Lord of the universe came to the world to take on the wrath of the Father in innocent blood just to release our chains and bust open our prison cell doors. Jesus came to free us from what holds us captive. Are you ready to accept this freedom and allow Christ to lead you to a place far better than anything you could have imagined for yourself?

Come join us this Sunday and discover how to truly break free, once and for all, from the ties that bind. See you there!

Strap on Your Armor.

"But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation." - 1 Thessalonians 5:8

I love this image of putting on armor. You put on armor to protect yourself, right? We strap on football pads before we walk out beneath the friday night lights, we put on a helmet before jumping on a skateboard, and we put on sunscreen before we hit the beach. We obviously recognize the importance of protecting our physical body; Paul is just urging us to apply that principle to our spiritual lives as well.

Christian author Max Lucado stated it well when he said, "No person should walk into the world to begin the day until he or she has stood beneath the cross to receive God's love."

As Christ followers, we are called to a higher standard. We are called to live in the light. Being a follower of Christ is not easy. But Christ is giving us something to help us through it - the armor and watchful protection of His love, faith, and the assurance of salvation that allows us to approach every situation with a clear mind.

Don't try to pile on armor of things that change - relationships, money, talent, or beauty. Set your sights on the One that will never change, approach the cross daily, and let your heavenly Father drench you in His protective love.