We’ve probably all heard the phrase “larger than life” when describing an individual. If you describe someone as larger than life, you mean that they have a very strong personality and behave in a way that makes people notice them. There can hardly be a greater compliment than to call someone “larger than life.” That is why it is usually reserved for only the most noteworthy personalities, or else its impact would be somewhat lessened.
However, it does seem sometimes that life can loom very large. It is during these times that life seems to bear down upon us, deplete our spirits, and sends us into hiding. In the Old Testament, we read of the story of the prophet Elijah. When life took a scary turn for Elijah, as King Ahab and Queen Jezebel wanted him dead, Elijah headed to the hills, found a cave, and went into hiding. When God found Elijah hiding in the cave he called for him to come outside. We read in 1 Kings 19, God say to Elijah, “Go out and stand on the mountain,” the Lord replied. “I want you to see me when I pass by.” All at once, a strong wind shook the mountain and shattered the rocks. But the Lord was not in the wind. Next, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. Then there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. Finally, there was a gentle breeze, and when Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his coat. He went out and stood at the entrance to the cave.” You might say that God reminded Elijah that God himself is larger than life.
This is a good message for us to be reminded of as well. I know there are times in my own life when life looms big that I find myself wanting to escape from the pressures around me. When life comes at you from all sides, then it can make the strongest of us tremble in our boots. Even in faith sometimes we can feel as though our backs are up against the wall. For many people today it feels just like this. However, we just didn’t learn this lesson becasue of the COVID-19 pandemic. Life has already taught us this lesson.
Yet in faith, we are reminded that our God is larger than life. In 1 John 4:4, we read, “Little children, you are from God, and have conquered them; for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” Regardless of what we face in our lives, God is always greater. In faith, we hold onto this truth even when everything else around us looks differently. Life can loom large, but God is greater. Indeed, God is larger than life.
Conversations from the Couch 