GospelboundSample

Think Big. Think Small.

The key to living with resolute hope is to think big and small—at the same time. Thinking big means trusting God: “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:18). Remembering the Lord’s vast power, perfect plan, and deep love for us helps us relax into his care. When we think big, our hope rests on promises that have never failed and power strong enough to cast stars into the sky and Satan down from heaven (Isaiah 40:26; Luke 10:18). 

Thinking small means looking across the street rather than scrolling social media on our phones. It means digging into the simple, ordinary rhythms of life—befriending the coffee shop barista, helping the neighbor with his car, or volunteering at church. By looking for ways we can make a difference, we see evidence of God working through us. That, in turn, makes us more hopeful. 

Maybe you sometimes feel anxious about the rising number of “nones” when it comes to recent polls about Christianity. But think small: The unbelieving girl next door? You’ve known her a long time, and you love her. 

The angry shouts of LGBTQ activists may worry you. But your same-sex-attracted colleague? You see how God has gifted him for work, even if you disagree with his lifestyle. 

Pro-choice rhetoric might make you feel ill. But the friend who is unexpectedly pregnant? You want to encourage and support her. 

As you trust God and think small, you become alert to ways you can demonstrate resolute hope in faith and love: Setting a seat at the dinner table for your neighbor. Saying no to sexual temptation. Listening to and learning from someone who doesn’t look like you. Praying for joy when the pain doesn’t go away. Upholding your wedding vows. Working hard in a job you don’t always love. 

Are negative things happening in our broken world? Every day. But is God working things for good? Absolutely. We don’t need to be anxious. We need to ask how we can be part of what God is already doing.

God, help me to see the incredible things you are doing in today’s world—right in front of me. I want to be a part of them. Amen.