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Living With Limits

Psalm 139:14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.

I have often read of those who are able to defy their physical limitations, break new ground and go beyond the boundaries life has placed upon them. They drive themselves forward, never content, but hungry to reach their self-imposed expectations and goals. They never rest until they are the best.

However, perhaps physical limitations are not really a curse or obstacle to defy, but instead, a gift to receive with thanks. And the greatest blessing and grace that we can shower upon ourselves is to accept our limitations and live contentedly with them.
Of course, we may be accused of being a defeatist or weak or lacking faith by some. But it takes great courage and faith to surrender ourselves to God and trust in His wisdom rather than our own. David declares his wonder and praise for a God who made us perfectly. All that our Lord does and allows to our body is good – whether we understand or not, it still remains good.
The fact is, God is a loving Father who sometimes places physical limitations on our body for our good. And the good He intends is that we will reach out to Him, trust Him in our limitations and grow more like Jesus in nature – whose whole life by the way, was fully dependent on His Father (John 5:19).

Romans 8:28 All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.

It’s comforting to think that our God is working out what we think is best or what we would like. But God has something far greater in mind. The good He intends is that we become like Christ. And if it takes physical limitations to bring about that result, then that is what we need!
This is not a time to strive in our own strength, but to surrender to His. It is not a time to be dissatisfied and drive ourselves on to reach unrealistic goals. In doing so, we are undermining the very good work our Father is seeking to do in our lives. Instead, the invitation is to be still and know that He is our God whose ways are far beyond our knowing, whose love will hold us securely and who rejoices over us with gladness and singing.

Whatever limitation God has placed upon our lives, let’s recognize that it is for our good. When we struggle, and that is a given, we can always prayerfully seek our caring Father, asking that He would assist us in accepting our limits and living joyfully and peacefully with them.

About Jennifer Woodley

Jennifer is an Australian freelance writer who lives in a small rural town in sunny Queensland. She is passionate about encouraging others on their journey with Christ through writing and mentoring. Jennifer is a school chaplain, wife, mother of three adult sons and loving grandma of one adorable grandson. More of her writing can be found at www.inhisname6.com and www.faithwriters.com.

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6 comments

  1. Jennifer,
    This is a fantastic message that so many will relate to, me included!
    Powerfully delivered with a gripping message.
    Welcome aboard! Looking forward to all of your work.
    God Bless~

  2. Hi Jennifer, welcome to our writing team. Nice article.

    • Jennifer Woodley

      Hi John,

      Thank you for your warm welcome. I am grateful for the opportunity to write for Bottom Line and encourage readers to pursue God with passion.

  3. Jennifer, That was a great message of encouragement. God puts tests and trials in our way, and then He works the best through them. We may not always enjoy the experience, but we can see His hand and direction for our good afterward. Thanks for the reminder and the inspiration.

  4. Very good article. Much appreciated. Distractions abound. We came get so busy setting goals which can begin with good intentions but we can be driven by them to the neglect of God and His purpose for us. There are times the Lord is trying to get our attention. May we have ears to hear.
    May we see the need to learn the lesson of waiting on the Lord. With impatience we lack wisdom and mistakes abound.
    Just a short ( shout out) for a message of encouragement.

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