Limited
Today’s Verse:
Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. ~Psalm 78:41
What we believe and how we behave have a direct effect on how much God is able to work in our life. A man named Henry Varley made a statement that changed the life and ministry of Evangelist Dwight Moody. He said, “The world has yet to see what God can do through one man wholly committed to Him.” By this, Varley was telling Moody that the only thing holding God back from doing a work of unlimited capacity through a man is the man himself. Our passage speaks of how the Children of Israel limited the Holy One of Israel. Let us consider how God is limited or hindered from working in us.
Let us consider the results of God limitations.
When God is limited in our life, we are saying "no" to the power of God. We are telling God that His power is insufficient for us. The Israelites mockingly asked, “Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?” They unwisely assumed that God could not feed them or care for them. God limitation is accepting failure for our life instead of favor for our life. God limitation results in unchanged lives, sinners not getting saved, and conditions that decline. God limitation will keep a Christian from growing, a church from the blessing of God, and missions stagnant. God limitation is testifying to the unsaved world that our God is weak and incapable of doing anything great for us.
Let us consider the reasons for God limitations.
God limitations are a result of many “uns.” It is caused by unthankfulness. We are told that “they remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy.” Unthankfulness is a major reason for God limitation. It is caused by unbelief. Unbelief is the absence of faith working. Jesus frequently said to His disciples, “O ye of little faith.” How big is your faith in God? How is your faith reflected in your vision for your life and in your prayer requests? Unbelief is a major reason for God limitation. It is also caused by unconcern. Unconcern is where we have become indifferent to the things of God. It is becoming rich, increased with goods, and having need of nothing. Let us examine our heart for the possibility of the “uns.”
Let us consider the remedy for God limitations.
God does not want us to remain in a condition where we limit Him. God wants our life to have extraordinary capacity for His power to be manifested. First, we must confess that we are guilty of the sins of unthankfulness, unbelief, and unconcern. Second, we must determine to live a life of faith. Get out of your comfort zone and ask God to do a series of great things in your life. Determine to obey God in everything. Don’t make excuses or look for ways to get out. Say, “Yes, Lord!” Accept whatever challenges God puts your way as His pathway to spiritual success. Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and ask for God to do what you cannot do.
Is there God limitation in your life? Do you understand how small and limited your capacity is at this time and that it is a direct result of what you believe about God? Determine this morning to get out of the God limitation rut and live a life where the power and working of God is unlimited.
Have a faith-filled God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Psalms 146-150