Subject: Making molehills out of mountains

When people blew problems in their lives out of proportion, we used to say to them, "you're making a mountain out of a molehill." We meant they were taking a relatively small problem and acting as if it was a great calamity. As I asked my Father for an encouragement for you, very early this morning, I received the thought of how we tend to do the opposite of that old phrase, when we consider, or portray, Biblical events.

-Every year, during the Christmas season, we see portrayals of the angelic announcement to shepherds of Messiah's birth. Every time I've seen such portrayals, whether in a church play, or a Hollywood movie, this scene ends with a little handful of angels in the sky singing the "Hallelujah chorus." That's an example of "making a molehill out of a mountain," for the Word of God says: "and suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying—." (Luke 2:13) The word translated as "multitude" is a form of the word that means "to fill, make full." The sky above these shepherds was filled with angels singing God's praise. Remember, HE is the commander of the "Hosts of Heaven." I'm encouraged by that knowledge, because I remember HE sends them to minister to and for us who are heirs of salvation. (Hebrews 1:14)

-I've seen a movie or two that portrayed Moses obeying God and leading the Israelites out of bondage. The scene of God's parting the sea and all of Israel crossing over on dry ground showed walls of water on the sides of a path about 200 yards wide. Woops! another molehill! I've read a number of writings, from those who study such, that state there were between 2 1/2 to 3 million Hebrews there, fleeing from before Pharaoh. They state that, in order for that many people to cross over during the hours of 1 night, the path would have to be a few miles wide. I'm encouraged in "seeing" this "mountain," because I remember God promises that His grace is more than sufficient (it's super-abundant) to get me through, and over to the other side. I'm reminded that Abraham, when he was told that, though he was way past child producing age; he would father not only a son, but whole nations, did not "stagger at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what HE had promised, HE was able to perform." (Romans 4:20-21) I don't want a "molehill" God, I've got a "mountain" God, "able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." (Ephesians 3:20)

-Those same Israelites, as they wandered through the desert for 40 years, had a problem; they needed food and drink. I once read numbers, reportedly compiled by a former Quartermaster General of the U.S. Army, who stated that, in his estimation and based on his personal experience, it would take something on the order of 300 railway boxcars of food and over 50 railway tanker cars of water to supply just the basic need for 1 day. I don't know how precise his numbers are, but I believe we've made a molehill out of the mountain of supply our God provided daily for these millions. When I see this in its true way, I remember that "HE supplies all my need, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) When I remember that the clothes on their backs and the shoes on their feet did not wear out for those 40 years of wilderness travel (Deuteronomy 29:5), I know I can "seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto me." (Matthew 6:33)

-Have you ever seen a portrayal of Jesus' feeding of the multitude on the mountain? According to God's own Word, He took 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, blessed and broke them into pieces, and somehow, fed 5,000 men, not even counting the women and children. The acted out television version of this showed maybe a hundred people there. If you could feed even 100 people with that paltry a supply, I would call that a miracle, but that's a molehill. Add in the probable number of women and children, and you have maybe 15,000 to 20,000 eating their fill, and the disciple still gathered up 12 basketfuls of leftovers! What a God we serve! We can give Him whatever we have, even if it just seems about as much as a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish, and HE can make it more than fill the need, with plenty left over. I'm reminded not to hold on tightly to "my possessions," but to gladly give them, for "God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7) I'm reminded to "give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom—" (Luke 6:38)

-The "strong man" of the Old Testament (the Tanahk), was named Samson. Hollywood's version of this man, as seen in the old movie "Samson and Delilah," shows him with a powerful physique, sporting muscles galore. They imply by this that his great strength had a physical source. There's another molehill! Our God is not limited to your physical strength. If that was its source, why did Samson lose his power when his hair was cut, in disobedience to the warning his parents had received from the angelic messenger? (Judges 13) I'm encouraged when I recognize this true "mountain," for it reminds me that God can and will use me, though I am the "weak, foolish, and base things of this world." (1 Corinthians 1) HE can use my inability to show forth His All-powerful ability, that "no flesh should glory in His Presence." (1 Corinthians 1:17-31)

-Last of all, I would mention David, as he faced the giant enemy, Goliath. We make a molehill out of this by attributing it to the accuracy and strength of David's sling-shooting. My God used 1 young man, armed with a puny shepherd's sling and a smooth little rock, to take down the giant that had kept Israel's army frozen in fear every morning and evening for 40 days! (1 Samuel 17) I am encouraged, because I am reminded that, no matter the size or strength of the enemies of my God and His people, no matter how loudly they yell and roar, no matter how daunting or intimidating things seem, no matter the size of the giant(s), they are no match for what HE can do, if I will merely stand against them as David did, armed in His strength, and for His glory.

I encourage and exhort you, do not allow the mountains of God's Presence, power, provision, and promise to be painted as molehills. They are mighty! mighty! mighty! "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us!" (Romans 8:37)

Stand up! believers; for we are on the winning side.

Ben