“To all perfection I see a limit…” (Psalm 119:96 NIV1984). There is a limit to everything, even those things that appear to be perfect. To lamentis to express deep sadness when things come to an end. It’s like a border we can no longer cross, a boundary we cannot get around. As finite beings, our limitations increase with age. What we used to do easily or things we always enjoyed are now hindered by weakness, sickness, emotional distress, disabilities or even fear.
We are born with limitations. They are difficult to accept when they affect our service to God. A weakened voice may hinder out ability to sing. Arthritic hands may no longer enable us to play an instrument or even write. Poor vision may limit our ability to study God’s Word. A loss of hearing can be detrimental to one trying to hear a sermon or a Bible lesson. Thankfully, modern medicine can help in many of those instances. Still, we realize that we are limited in the flesh.
Our limitations should not hinder us, however; they are a gift from God — a protective border to enable us to thrive in His love and care. Paul proclaimed, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (II Cor. 12:10). We cannot overcome our own limitations. Attempting to do so will only lead to frustration. Instead, we should view them as an opportunity to develop dependence on God and find joy and purpose in serving Him again.
Despite any disabilities, God has a place for anyone who desires to be useful in His service. You can be a prayer warrior or an encourager. You can assist in the children’s department by helping teachers. You can be responsible for sending get-well or sympathy cards to class members. All limitations, real or conceived, are no problem for God. His power can overcome our weaknesses.
God’s power is boundless! “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit” (Psalm 147:5). That power is also found in Job 42:2: “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.” Also, in Luke 1:37, Gabriel encouraged a doubtful Mary with these words: “For nothing is impossible with God.”
If you feel insecure and discouraged because of your inabilities, allow God “…to do immeasurably more than all we (you) ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us (you)” (Eph. 3:20). If you are willing, He is able!
Fear is a real emotion and can hinder one’s service to God. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4). “When I am afraid, I will trust in you” (Psalm 56:3). When we ask, He answers.
God wants us to know His unlimited power. “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe…” (Eph. 1:18-19).
If we had no limitations and everything were easy and comfortable, we would not look forward to Christ’s coming. Is it not our hardships, our losses, our weaknesses or our fears that cause us to long for His return? Only then will we be free from all our setbacks in the flesh.
Don’t lament your limitations; they are a gift from God!
