Bigger than my Box

When it comes to boxes, I like mine neat and tidy. First of all, there should be few, if any, open gaps left inside the box when it is filled. Secondly, my boxes are full when all the items in it come as close to the top as possible without rising above it. That way, if there is a lid, it can be placed on top or the flaps can be easily closed. Naturally, this makes for the most efficient jamming and cramming in cars, moving vans, closets, storage units, and so on. That’s me—a picture of efficiency! Well, not really.

My wife Beth, on the other hand, is on the other end of the spectrum when it comes to boxes. She has never met a box that she couldn’t overstuff. Using her considerable ingenuity, she can stuff in one box what I would neatly pack in three.

Though my technique works well for stacking and packing, Beth’s methodology is a more accurate picture of God and the boxes we humans try to place Him in. I have tried to neatly define God, designate the spaces he should occupy, and set the limits of His authority in my life. But like my wife (who is quite often God’s messenger to me), God has never met a box of mine that He couldn’t overstuff! He’s bigger than the box I want to put Him in!

Moses also discovered this when God called him to free the children of Israel from Pharaoh (Exodus 3). After God cleared up Moses’ first objection to the assignment (“Who am I?” Exodus 3:11 - See Bigger than My Baggage), Moses decided he needed some clarification on the identity of the Voice emanating from the burning bush. He inquires of God, “the sons of Israel may ask me what your name is, what shall I say?” (Exodus 3:13). Simply put, Moses’ second objection to God’s call is “Who are You?”

God’s initial response is brief: “I AM WHO I AM.” He then instructs Moses on what to say to the sons of Israel and outlines the course of events that will take place in Egypt. In a manner of speaking, God is saying to Moses, “Who am I? You really don’t know me very well. Who I am cannot be defined or contained in one simple name. And what I have in mind, and your part in it, is much more than you can conceive or imagine, in fact, it’s beyond your wildest dreams. Moses, I’m a lot bigger than the box you’re trying to put Me in right now!”

I can be so proud of my box—my “understanding” of God—and so focused on it that, like Moses, I can be tentative or doubtful about what God wants to do in my life, in the world around me, and the leadership roles and responsibilities He has called me to. I can be more focused on my own understanding than on God Himself.

Truthfully, I have discovered before that God is bigger than my understanding. Of course, this has led to greater experiences with God, increased understanding, and—bigger boxes. Then in a little while, I discover anew that He is bigger than my bigger boxes, too!
I should probably just throw my box away—again!

---Charles "Chuck" Nutt