Early in our marriage, Patti and I had been praying about a difficult situation. We were both really trying to seek the Lord, but it was causing a lot of stress. Patti asked me to give her some word from the Lord that would bring some light and peace. Without thinking I blurted out, “God is greater.”
I remember that Patti looked a little taken aback. “That's it? What does that mean? Greater than what?” she asked.
“Everything.” I said. “Whatever it is. This situation, our lives, our family, our work, our finances, our problems, our joys, our sorrows...you name it—God is greater!”
This exchange sounds a little humorous when we look back on it now, but that word really did bring a great deal of light, peace, and help at the time. In fact, Patti made a sign saying “GOD IS GREATER” in block letters and plastered it on our refrigerator. It helped then and since then—and still helps today.
FIRST JOHN
There are three verses in the First Letter of John that bring out the message that “God is greater.” They are as follows:
1 John 4:4 “Greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.”
This is an amazing truth to remember, that God is with us and in us and he is greater than all that would threaten us from outside - the world and the ruler of this world, the devil (cf. John 12:31). The power of the Holy Spirit in us is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (cf. Romans 8:11). There is no power greater than God's power—and he has given it to us!
1 John 3:19-20 “By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”
This verse seems to refer to feelings of guilt and condemnation about sins already repented of and forgiven. God knows everything, including our past, present, and future. he knows us infinitely better than we know ourselves. God knows very well the state of our hearts and he alone is our judge - not the “accuser of the brethren, who accuses them day and night before our God” (Rev. 12:10). How do we conquer the accuser, the devil? By the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (cf. Rev. 12:11).
1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and he who fears is not perfected in love.”
Our human love, obviously, is not perfect. But God's love, by definition, is perfect because God is perfect. So, God's love is perfect and greater than any fear that may threaten us. We need to pray often for God's perfect love to cast out any ungodly fear trying to gain hold in our lives.
BE REMINDED
Not exactly a news flash, you might be saying, to hear that “God is greater.” True enough, but nevertheless, it's a healthy reminder of a powerful truth:
Your greatest temptations and sins... God is greater. Your greatest problem...God is greater. Your greatest obstacle...God is greater. Your greatest enemy...God is greater. Your greatest mistake...God is greater. Your greatest success...God is greater. Your greatest joy...God is greater.
We could keep this going a long time! No matter what you can think of that appears big and great and huge to you—God is greater! God is greater and he loves you. He is for you, and he is on your side. He sent his Son to save you by the blood of the cross and the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is given to you. What can we say to that? Only this, “O give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.” Praise God that he is greater!