We sang a song in Vacation Bible School years ago that opens with “My God is so big, so strong and so mighty. There’s nothing my God cannot do.” The tune was catchy, and the words quickly took residence in my memory. Having a message of encouragement to ponder in any circumstance is helpful. How mighty is your God?
But do I believe those words? Does my faith in this message affect my planning, actions, and life?
The angel, Gabriel, visited Mary to announce she would become the mother of Jesus (Find the full story in Luke 1:26-38). The birth would be unique, and the child would be exceptional as evidenced by Gabriel’s description.
“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”
Luke 1:32-33 NASB
Mary was aware of the biology behind baby production, a process requiring a man and a woman. She was a virgin, pledged as Joseph’s bride and committed to purity. She inquired about the mechanics of the birth, “How can this be?” Does her question reflect a lack of faith? No. She did not ask, “Can God do something that?” Mary needed to know what steps she should take to facilitate the promised child.
Gabriel explained that Mary was to let God do what only God can do. The angel shared a powerful promise.
“For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Luke 1:37 NASB
The young girl’s faith was strong. Read slowly, and savor her answer.
And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:38 NASB
Her God, so big, strong and mighty, was calling her to a special task. In an instant she moved from wedding planning to maternity preparations. Her next months were ripe with pointing fingers and wagging tongues as she became the trending gossip topic in Nazareth. Did her parents believe her story? Her grandparents? Her rabbi? At one point even Joseph wanted to cancel the betrothal and move on.
Sometimes our mighty God asks us to join Him in circumstances that seem tough from our viewpoint. Those are the moments we need to remember a simple phrase, “He is able!”
He is able…
to establish us by anchoring us in place or turning us resolutely in a new direction as needed. Only God knows the plan.
Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ… Romans 16:25 NASB (Selected)
He is able…
to perform deeds that exceed our wildest expectations.
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us Ephesians 3:20 NASB
He is able…
to protect us, and to render our opposition useless.
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy…
James 4:12 NASB (Selected)
He is able…
to keep us marching forward toward maturity.
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy Jude 1:24 NASB
I asked Shawn to sing the song with me. Maybe the words will find a place in your heart, too.
My God is so big, so strong and so mighty
There’s nothing my God cannot do.
My God is so big, so strong and so mighty
There’s nothing my God cannot do.
The mountains are His.
The rivers are His.
The stars are His handiwork too.
My God is so big, so strong and so mighty
There’s nothing my God cannot do.[1]
[1] I believe the original lyrics were written by Ruth Harms Calkin but many versions now exist.
Yay! Excellent job singing you two, loved it! :)
Not heading to Nashville anytime soon. I think it is cool that we can share text, audio, and video like this.
Our God is big and strong and mighty. Sometimes it is hard to remember that He is able. Thanks for the reminder.
I need the reminder every day. Thanks for singing with me.