DiAnn Mills @ DiAnnMills
By Guest Blogger Debbie Wilson @DebbieWilson
DiAnn Mills’ romantic suspense books always weave high-stakes drama with characters you cheer for. Did you know Bible stories do too?
When I started writing on the men and women in Hebrews 11, I realized their stories were too rich to skim over in one book. As I considered the themes, Hebrews 11:34 (NLT) arrested my attention.
“Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.”
This verse intrigued me. While I enjoy reading books about other people’s battles (fiction and nonfiction), I haven’t welcomed personal battles as a way to grow strong.
Little Strength, Big God looks at those whose weakness was turned to strength in battle, beginning with Hebrews 11:23.
“It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months when he was born. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s command” (Heb. 11:23 NLT).
What does it mean to not be afraid to disobey the king’s command to kill all the Hebrew baby boys? Does it mean they didn’t feel fear? Or could it mean they didn’t let fearful feelings rule their will? I have my thoughts. I’d like to hear yours.
I like The Quest Bible’s definition of meditation. “Meditation is a combination of reviewing, repeating, reflecting, thinking, analyzing, feeling, and even enjoying. It is a physical, intellectual, and emotional activity” (Zondervan, 1994, p. 839). Little Strength, Big God offers opportunities to review, reflect, feel, and enjoy these Bible characters and learn from their weaknesses and battles.
While these people were different from each other, they are also just like us. They had to face their weaknesses and their foes. Along the way, they experienced a big God. May their stories enrich you with practical guidance and inspiration for your battles.
Facing a Big Battle?
Little Strength, Big God is a Bible study that provides timeless truths to help you slay your giants. Like the faithful in Hebrews 11, you can become mighty in battle.
Loss and intimidation are not new to God’s people. What if you had to choose between―
– Drowning your baby or letting your worst enemy raise him?
– Bowing before an idol or being thrown into a fiery furnace?
– Compromising your convictions or being tossed to the lions?
– Living in fear or leading ill-equipped volunteers against an intimidating enemy?
The believers who faced these decisions felt their limitations. Yet they found strength in the Lord. You can too. Using the men and women highlighted in the last half of Hebrews 11, Little Strength, Big God will help you turn your weaknesses into strengths to accomplish God’s purpose in your life.
When trouble attacks, you don’t need a bigger God―you need clearer vision of the one true God. Discover the transforming power of a God greater than your Goliaths and live strong now.
Want to meet some of the characters in Little Strength, Big God? Have fun matching names with their descriptions in the Little Strength, Big God Matching Game.
Who is one of your favorite biblical heroes? Or who is one you’re surprised to see named for their faith in Hebrews 11?
Blessings, Debbie
Debbie W. Wilson is an award-winning author, Bible teacher, and former Christian counselor who speaks and writes to connect fellow sojourners to the heart of Christ. She and her husband lead Lighthouse Ministries, a non-profit Christian counseling and Bible teaching ministry. Connect with Debbie, find free resources, and learn about her books, including Little Strength, Big God, at debbieWwilson.com.and
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Thank you, Debbie!
Comments 26
“When trouble attacks, you don’t need a bigger God – you need clearer vision of the one true God.” I will keep this close to heart for those moments I need the reminder. This week my hero is David. As I read Psalm 27 for the 100th time in my life it’s impact this week caught my attention as it had not done for the past 99 times.
Thank you, Debbie. Thank you DiAnn, for sharing Debbie with us.
Karen, I love how God’s word does that, speaks in a fresh way. This morning God did that for me in Daniel 2.
Thanks for the inspiring post, Debbie.
You had an excellent list of strong characters.
One of my favorite heroes in the Bible is Joseph.
Jackie, Debbie inspired and challenged us to stay strong on the battlefront. Joseph is one of my favorites too.
Jackie, I love Joseph too. He’s one I go back to many times for encouragement.
Little Strength, Big God inspired me to leave the weakness where it belongs– behind me. God is my ever present strength and He always comes through. I really enjoyed this book. Thanks Debbie and DiAnn!
Barbara, Debbie’s book inspired me to understand God’s love and mercy means He fights for us.
Barbara, I love that takeaway! He is our ever present strength. Thanks so much!
Always enjoy Mrs. Debbie W. Wilson’s writing and encouraging insights. Great to find her here today. Thank you for hosting Ms. DiAnn.
Thank you, JD. Debbie has been a good friend for years. And an excellent writer.
Moses, Nehemiah, Joshua, Rahab, and Elisha are some of the names that come to mind and who faced dire circumstances and got the victory. Their lives demonstrate “What can the enemy do if you’re a child of God?” Life involves taking blows unexpectedly, but realizing that God is our present help in times of trouble and difficulty. Those who fear the Lord will see victory in the battle. God orchestrates scenarios to grow us spiritually. We signed up for suffering, persecution, and growth when we accepted Jesus. Sometimes we want to take away challenge and file it away on a shelf. The process along the way from being weak to strong is learning. Christians need new experiences. Out of these flow right decisions, the freedom to fail, and becoming strong and resilient in God. Challenges force us to analyze our behavior, but realize that God can use anyone to do His work.
I was surprised to see Samson in Hebrews 11. Samson didn’t take his vows to God serious. He didn’t turn down pleasure and he commit suicide.
Faith in God is critical. It transcends your 5 senses. To depend on your 5 senses is not to have faith. And when you think about it, has God ever let you down?
Dawn, those you named all lived amazing stories. God’s story is bigger than a human lifetime. Hebrews 11 ends recalling those who weren’t saved from death and suffering. Those of whom the world was not worthy. But they are the witnesses that though they suffered and died for their faith, they still speak and live in heaven waiting for us. Thanks so much for adding your thoughts!
Dawn, thank you for sharing your wisdom. Faith transcends time and our circumstances.
My favorite Bible character in the OT is Joseph. He face a lot of hardships, but stayed faithful to God.
Linda, Joseph is one of my favorites too. Out of all his noble traits, I was surprised when Hebrews 11 only recalls how he died in faith.
Linda, Joseph showed us all how to keep our mind focused on the only One who is soverign.
Thank you, Debbie!
Thanks for reading, Stephanie!
Debbie’s questions under the title, Loss and Intimidation, brings home the reality of biblical occurrences we pass over because they are so familiar to us. Thanks for sharing, DiAnn.
Peggy, you’re right. Reflecting on these stories helps us appreciate the crushing circumstances these people faced.
Peggy, I think that’s why we need to read our bibles every day. We miss things that are critical to our walk. Thanks!
DiAnn, thanks so much for hosting me! I appreciate you.
Debbie, my honor to share your wisdom with others.
Jephthah surprised me. Thanks for the fun match game. I feel eight again!
Dana, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Jephthah and Samson are real head-scratchers.
Dana, the game surprised me too!