How to Shrink your Problems
by Andy Taylor
A few years ago our family went on a day trip to a range of hills about 20 miles outside of Melbourne, Australia. From the top of the hill there was an amazing view across a very flat plain, to the distant city of Melbourne. From our position we could just about make out the shapes of the largest skyscrapers but we couldn’t really get any idea of its size from where we were – it looked more like a model.
We were there with my brother-in-law and his family who had visited Melbourne many times. They could have described the city in great detail to us and told us all about its size but for us, we could only imagine what the city was like from our current perspective. The only way for us to really find out about the city would be to visit it personally. On approaching the city, we would become increasingly aware of its size. The skyscrapers which looked so small before would now look enormous and we could stand at the bottom and look up – amazed at the towering structure above us.
Sometimes in life we are faced with situations where we just feel that God is far away or is too small to be able to help. We look at Him and wonder if He really is able to do anything. Other people might share with us about their experiences of how God helped them in their lives but we are unsure whether that would apply to us.
In times like this, God beckons us to draw near to Him. He longs for us to begin to put our trust in Him and, as we draw nearer, we will discover that He is much bigger than we ever imagined. We will lift our eyes and be in awe at His size and strength. It is at this moment that the situations of life will shrink in comparison to God and His ability to help.
So, are there things in your life today that are towering above you? Does God seem distant or too small to be able to help? Why not begin to move towards Him today and discover just how big your Heavenly Father really is!
Prayer: Help me, Lord, to draw near to you and not be afraid. I don’t want to just have a distant relationship with you. I need to know the encouragement of your presence and to be overwhelmed by your love. Thank you that you really care for me. Amen.
Andy Taylor is Director of Ellel Grange, UK National Director and is a member of the Executive Leadership of Ellel Ministries. He joined the team in 1991 and has served the Lord at Ellel Ministries centres in the UK, Australia and the USA. Andy is married to Cath and they have three boys.
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