When I taught first grade, in one of the books there was a wonderful lesson emphasizing the fact that we are each unique individuals, unlike any one else, carefully created by God.

Following the lesson, the students were to trace their hands in the box on the bottom of the page. As the class began this activity, a few students looked concerned.

I watched as they tried to force their hands to fit into the confines of the box.

“Oh no, my hand’s too big,” one sadly commented. “It won���t fit inside of the box.”

Several students nodded.

“What do we do now?” another student asked.

“Open up your hand,” I quickly insisted. “Even if it goes outside of the lines of the box. There’s nothing wrong with your hand. The box is just too small. Your hand is perfect just like it is.”

Instantly the class relaxed, knowing that it was OK with me if their hands didn’t neatly fit inside of the box.

I’ve kept that experience stored in my heart, and I bring it out occasionally when life, or my children, or even God, doesn’t neatly fit into my own self-constructed boxes.

I do not want to allow my plans, lack of faith or lack of vision to set limits on what God will do in my life and in the lives of others.

The accounts in the Bible assure me that my God does not live or operate inside of a box. Ezekiel watched a valley of dry bones come together, form bodies and live again. Balaam’s donkey spoke. Moses heard God speak out of a burning bush. The walls of Jericho crumbled when the Israelites shouted. David killed a giant with a slingshot. Lazarus walked out of his tomb. A woman was instantly healed by touching just the fringe of Jesus’ robe.

And whenever I get a little nervous about something, the thought that settles my soul is from the story in Exodus 17:6 and I pray, Lord, “You’re the One Who made water come out of a rock when Your children were thirsty. Surely You can handle my problems.”

So enlarge your vision. Pray radical prayers. Believe God for big things. “By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.” Ephesians 3:20

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.