Ever faced a problem that just didn’t seem possible to solve when you first looked at it? It seemed like you didn’t have all the pieces to the puzzle; or maybe it was a crazy school problem (all of organic chemistry!); or you are wondering how you will ever find common ground with a teammate.

Some things seem so outrageous and difficult because we get preoccupied looking at the big picture. We fail to see smaller steps that add up to big success and get caught up thinking how much work it will take, so we never get started.

A problem arises with this attitude because we fail to commit to the smaller steps required to reach the goal. In turn, we fail to experience the subtleties and nuances along the journey that make large tasks enjoyable and help us grow and appreciate complexity. 

Then if we can’t achieve what we desire right now with minimal effort, we simply choose another venture.

This mindset easily infects our brains when it comes to God and His Word which can seem so daunting, so unapproachable. Where would I even begin? We tell ourselves we don’t have the academic pedigree to truly understand, or we think others are just more gifted than we are. 

When we stay at a distance, God remains distant, and His Word remains closed.

This is a devastating mistake and the opposite of what God wants! He wrote us a Book and made us rational, thinking beings in order that we may study Him, understand Him, and KNOW Him. 

He sent His Son that we would draw near to Him (Ephesians 2:13). Yes, He is a large subject to tackle, but is worth every head-scratching question, early morning alarm and late night study session!

The more we seek God and wrestle with questions about Him, the more we see who He really is, how He works in our lives and how glorious, faithful and trustworthy He is. When we seek Him and wrestle with our questions about Him, we see His power and might, and can savor His steadfast love, grace and mercy toward us.

Then we come to love, cherish and praise God. And the craziest part about it: When we are faithful in pursuing God, He is faithful in drawing near to us (James 4:8)! 

Let’s take steps, no matter how small, in tackling this God-sized equation, so we can echo Paul in saying, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!”

Reflect: Are there any tasks or problems you are avoiding in your life because they seem too complicated or big? How can you break them down? Are you taking small steps toward God? If not, what are some things you can do to start digging deep?