This column is all about not putting limits on a limitless God. In church the sermon was all about how we as finite creatures do a pretty good job of trying to put the infinite being of God into some way, shape or form that we can understand. The problem with that is we can’t do it. Our brain won’t let us comprehend all knowing, all powerful, everywhere since before time began and after it stops. You see these terms all, before, after, presuppose there is a limit to time and space and power and understanding and things. It is the way of a finite being which happens to be us. These are human characteristics and it is how we have come to rationalize life. It begins at birth. It ends at death. But does it? Pastor was teaching that as long as we operate that way, we limit what we think we’re able to do. His point and mine is don’t put man’s limits on God’s promises.
You see each one of us has an image of ourselves on the inside of who we are and what we can do. It has been shaped by friends and family, situations and circumstances, what we want and what we have. For many of us that image is in direct conflict with what God sees and knows He has placed within us. Let me put it this way. Would you ask a homeless man for $100? Of course not! You wouldn’t ask because you wouldn’t believe he had it. So if you do not believe there is greatness in you, dare I say you wouldn’t ask God for it. And there’s the rub. I am now of the opinion, it’s time for all of us to put demands on God. I am not being arrogant or presumptuous. I am trying to be humble, respectful and obedient. God has been saying forever to ask him. As a matter of fact He says, ask, seek, and knock. In each instance your action is promised a positive reaction. Don’t ask. Don’t get. I’m really talking about mustard seed stuff here. Your faith dictates what you ask for. Do you have enough faith to take the limits off God and ask Him; demand from Him the inheritance that is yours as delivered by the finished work of Jesus Christ?
I understand this can be tricky stuff. And it’s not easy. We put obstacles in our way when it comes to simply receiving the grace and blessings of God. I’m merely pointing out that we have some say in this. We have a spiritual obligation to not limit God. The solution is to recognize those things we do that are subtle but devastating to our achieving God’s purpose for us. Fear limits God. If you think the answer will be no, you won’t ask. Unbelief limits God. If you don’t believe it’s possible, then all things become impossible. Disobedience limits God. If you disobey, you don’t think you have the right to ask for anything. And comparison limits God. If you feel unworthy and less than those who have more, you’ll accept what you have and nothing more. How? Why?-by negating a willingness to believe we are truly blessed and highly favored, made in the image of almighty God and destined to be great for Him. You know there is fear of failure and fear of success, both with the same result. I call it the do nothing. It’s comfortable and you can handle that. Who wants to expect everything when the world has taught you that you don’t deserve anything? My proof of what I’m saying is Matthew 4:11. After the devil tempted Jesus with everything in the world and He refused in the name of God. “The devil left Him and angels came and attended Him.” In the name of the devil, Jesus was aware enough to say no thank you. And because He knew where His blessings lay, God sent angels to attend Him and in God’s name gave Him everything the devil had promised. Think about that. Are you making any demands on God? He’s just waiting on you to recognize He’s your God, daring you to ask so he can give. Without the question, without the demand, it’s an unfulfilled dream, a mountain too big to move, a desire never met. And this I know. Psalm 37:4-5 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the lord, trust in Him and He will do this;” You gotta believe.
May God bless and keep you always.
James