Strong spirits: limitless
I am able to do more than I think I can, in the strength that God gives me.
Are you ever weary, worn out, tired, overwhelmed? Yeah, me too. So imagine my surprise when, after praying for a word for the new year, the one that comes to mind is "limitless." Limitless? Me? No, as it turns out... not me, but He!
The Bible makes it clear that God has no limits. Not time, location, knowledge, understanding, power, location. He is omni-everything!! Here is one example: "For with God, nothing shall be impossible." Gabriel to Mary (Luke 1:37).
But because I am not omni-anything does not let me off the hook. Paul states, "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me. ("Philippians 4:13)
So why this word for me this year? I think it's because I set limits for myself, that God has not set. I self-protect. I choose when to obey. I get lazy. I think God is trying to remind me that, like Paul, I am able to do more than I think I can, in the strength that God gives me. God has no desire to wear you or me out. In fact, he promises us rest when we are weary (Matthew 11:28) and tells Paul that he is strongest when he is weak because then he relies on God's strength. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Here's the challenge: to "live a (limitless) life of love." (Epesians 5:2). I want to give it a try...
How about you?
Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.
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