The term big can be taken many different ways and describe different things. One can say, “That’s a big steak,” “That is a big stadium,” “That’s a big church,” “That is a big gathering,” “That is a big idea,” “That was a big success,” or “He has a big heart.” Any way you use it to describe something of importance, the word big normally leaves a great impression. Unless, of course, when you are describing a person.
The show the “Biggest Loser” was just the opposite. The only way a person could win … was not to be big.
I cannot remember ever swimming without a shirt on. I considered myself to be big even when I was only “healthy;” but, in my mind that term “big” stayed with me all my life. “Hey, big boy.” “You might need a bigger size.” “I might need a bigger seat belt (on the plane).” “You are the biggest man I have ever seen (while traveling in China)!” 🙂 . . . And my all-time favorite, “You look just like your granddad” who, of course, was big. (Which was a big compliment because he was a US congressman from West Texas.)
My Grandfather
Judge Clyde Garrett
(Click picture for additional information)
I guess GOD had made me BIG because HE had big plans for my life. Bigger than I had ever imagined, bigger than people had expected, but most of all, the BIGNESS was definitely GOD at work. In my years of ministry, just when we thought that we couldn’t take a ministry any further, GOD would show up and it became BIGGER than we could ever fathom. My mind couldn’t even think that big.
As a child of four years old, I found myself at a Baptist Youth Camp, called Mount Lebanon, in front of three thousand teenagers. There I found that I loved being with all of the youth laughing, playing, singing, and worshipping the Lord. One day in front of everyone I walked on the stage, asked for a microphone, and sang without fear the song “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” Never in a million years did I dream that the Big God that I was singing about at four would still have me in His BIG hands at age 64 … while I have cancer. And, never did I dream that BIG GOD would be so faithful all these years walking beside me, walking in front of me, walking for me all the way through life. HE certainly has exceeded my expectations.
But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength;
Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For You have been my stronghold
And a refuge in the day of my distress. (Psalm 59:16 NASB)
