My God Is Bigger

One of the movies which ranks as a classic with me is Hoosiers which features a high school basketball team from Hickory, Indiana.  The story follows a coach who takes a group of boys from this small town in Indiana to the state finals in basketball.  After a stellar, but tumultuous season the boys arrive at the state finals hosted at a university arena in Indianapolis.  The setting and scene were something the boys of Hickory had never experienced before but through the encouragement of their coach were able to overcome their inhibitions and rise to victory on a last second shot to win the state title.  What makes this story so incredible is that, true to real life until 1997 in Indiana, there was only one state basketball playoff regardless of a schools size.  In other words, regardless of a school’s size or number of students all competed for the same title. 

This was the classic story of David versus Goliath where the underdog came forth as the victor defeating the heavy favorite.  Many might even look at this and say it is a great Hollywood story but is unlikely to happen in real life.  The truth is that this movie’s storyline is loosely based on the real to life story of Milan High School from the rural portion of southern Indiana.  While many of the characters and incidents were embellished and/or even fabricated, Milan High School won the state championship in 1954 against a formidable foe.  They overcame the odds by working together in great teamwork for a common purpose.  They were successful because they did not let the size of their school nor the way they saw their abilities handicap them.  They played with great determinism and passion.

As I think of this real life story of a team who did not allow their resources to limit their success, I ask myself whether we follow this example in what God wants to do through us.  I have often contended that the size of one’s vision is not limited to one’s estimation of their resources or themselves but rather their understanding of how big their God is.  Often there is a saying on Sirius/XM radio station The Message which says, “Don’t tell God how big your mountain is; tell the mountain how big your God is.”  Rick Warren is quoted as saying, “How big do you think God is?  The issue is not who do you think you are, but who do you think God is?  In your dreams for your ministry, don’t limit yourself by saying, “What can I do?”  Instead ask, “What can God do in this place?” 

When I think of First Baptist Florence I see so many things which God desires to accomplish through us.  I see a mission field next door in the University of North Alabama.  I see a potential ministry at UNA with the international students which God has brought to us.  I see a building waiting for us to develop it for use with the Initiative 305 ministry.  I see a community with only 50% who admit to attending church.  I see a great need for personal evangelism through relationship development.  I see an opportunity to reach a growing population of Senior Adults.  I see young families who need the stability of Jesus Christ in their homes. 

What can we do as one church in downtown Florence?  We can begin working one of these ministries at a time.  We can each step forward to work in an area of which we are passionate.  We can each take time to build relationships with people who are not involved in church or have a personal relationship with Jesus.  We can realize that God has gifted each of us with abilities and talents to function in the body of Christ.  We can step up and volunteer to be a part of these ministries.  We can say, “I will be willing to head up this ministry or that initiative.”  When we begin coming together for the common purpose to achieve these tasks then we will begin to see God work in our hearts and through our abilities to bring home the championship trophy for His glory and honor.  Let’s win this battle for our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Keep Bragging on Our Jesus,

 

Pastor Ric

Matthew 19:26 "…With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."