Don't Limit God

Most people want success in their lives. That is because we were created in the likeness of a successful God. He has given every one of us a purpose and a plan. He planned for us to succeed in every arena of life.

Jeremiah 29:11 from the Amplified Classic says:

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

If you’ve been struggling with symptoms of disease in your body, please know that God planned for you to be healthy and strong, even before the foundation of the world. If you’ve been struggling financially, you must know that God planned for you to be well provided for, even before the foundation of the world.

Eph 2:10 from the Amplified Classic says:

 For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

Some of you today may be sitting at the very doorstep of disaster, wondering how in the world that situation will ever turn around. Some of you may simply be experiencing a small degree of difficulty. And some of you may actually be living in your dream.

Regardless of what category you fall into today, I have a word from the Lord for you: God has much more in store for your life! He is not finished with you yet!

Deuteronomy 28:13 says:

And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them.

Whether we’ve reached great heights or not, God wants to take us beyond where we are right now. He didn’t create us in the hope that we would just get by or settle for the ordinary. We must learn to stop putting limits on ourselves, and limits on God. Many wonder if it’s possible to put limits on God. It certainly is!

Psalm 78:41-42 says:

Yes, again and again they tempted God,

And limited the Holy One of Israel.

They did not remember His power:

I’m beginning to see more and more, that the people who have vision for their lives, and keep the vision before them continually are the ones who go beyond limits and succeed. This includes the vision for a healthy body or prosperous finances.

In order to succeed in life, there is always a path that is not comfortable on the mind and flesh. That is why few really become the head instead of the tail in life. I don’t know about you, but I’m finished with being wagged around by the tail! God wants us to use our head so we don’t live like we’re being dragged around life by our tail.

There are 3 ways that we can limit God in what He wants to do for us. All of them can be overcome!

1.     Believing anything that is not consistent with what God says about you.

Remember the Hebrew spies who went out to spy Canaan?

Numbers 13:31-32 tells us:

But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out…

By believing and speaking words that were not consistent with God’s Word, they limited their ability to go BEYOND the wilderness!

2.     Dwelling on past mistakes.

I can tell you from experience that dwelling on your past mistakes will keep you from your limitless future! It is so much better to forget the past and stay focused on God’s vision for your life. Why should you focus on your past when God no longer remembers what He forgave?

In Isaiah 43:25, God said:

I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins.

If there was anyone who had a past that could limit him, it was Paul. But Paul had the revelation of leaving the past behind, and he did astounding things for Jesus.

Paul said this in Philippians 3:13-15:

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Therefore, let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.

It takes spiritual maturity to forget those things which are behind, both good and bad. Dwelling on past mistakes will paralyze you from going beyond where you’ve ever been before. God doesn’t see your failures, weaknesses or mistakes.  He sees gold in you! When you forget the past, you are able to go BEYOND limits.

3.     Living with offense.

If you allow even the least amount of offense into your life, it will severely limit you from fulfilling your purpose.

Jesus taught us in Mark 11:25-26:

And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.

If your Father does not forgive you, how will you ever prosper in His plan for your life? Refusing to forgive is an open door to the devil. He’s just waiting to attack you with sickness and lack. The love of God is a shield that will protect you from anything the devil can do. Therefore, when you walk in love, you will walk BEYOND limits.

If you are willing to agree with God, forget your past, and forgive all those who have wronged you, you will be in position to succeed in life.

If you're in the Aurora/Naperville area and are looking for a church that teaches the uncompromising Word of God, we invite you to visit Abundant Life Family Church. As a Word and Spirit church, we are committed to helping believers grow in faith, experience the power of God, and walk in His promises. Our services are filled with dynamic worship, Bible-based teaching, and an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit moves. Whether you’re searching for a church home or seeking a deeper relationship with God, we welcome you to join us and be part of a thriving community of faith!