May Your Boxes Grow

I'm a fan of boxes and baskets-- particularly the square/rectangle kind (they are the most efficient use of space! ;)). I like containing my stuff in an-- at least quasi-- orderly way. But unfortunately, I tend to try to box things that shouldn't be boxed. Boxing the potential chaos in my life is helpful to the smooth running of my home, it lets me be in control. But I am guilty (and I would imagine that you are too) of "putting God in a box". I want to contain Him, even control Him-- by my estimation.

One of my favorite conversations in the Chronicles of Narnia is between Lucy and Aslan in Prince Caspian.

"'Welcome, child,' he said.
'Aslan,' said Lucy, 'you're bigger.'
'That is because you are older, little one,' answered he.
'Not because you are?'
'I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger.'"

I have thought for several years now, that a good measure to check for growth in your spiritual life is to ask yourself, "Does God seem bigger/greater/more powerful to me than He did last year/five years ago/etc.?" I know that is the case for me. As I think about what I believed-- REALLY believed-- about God five years ago, I'm amazed! I'm amazed that God is so patient with me! I'm amazed that He loves me! I am amazed at God's ability to work out His plan in His people!

So recently I was listening to a great message about despair, and how it often, if not always, flows out of our attempts to put God in a box. It is a lengthy message, but if you are able, I encourage you to listen. Here's the link:

When Despair Invades Gospel Work: Learning From Elijah

There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He said, "I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away." And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
1 Kings 19:9-13

So today my prayer for you is: "May your boxes grow!" or even better...
"May your boxes be BUSTED!!!"