Each of us faces limits daily. We are limited by things beyond us like gravity or time, things within us like our own strength or abilities, as well as things around us such as seasons or the decisions and actions of others.
At times we also face loss: losing a loved one, losing a job, or even lost hopes and dreams. Some of these limits and losses are expected, yet there are many which catch us by surprise.
So how do we thrive within them and live with joy?
God is sovereign over all creation and nothing is outside of His power and care. Yet our response when we face these challenges may be less than gracious as we express impatience or frustration. To move beyond these takes a commitment to three things.
First, assess the extent of the limit or loss.
Is it temporary or permanent? Is this event just a passing incident or will it influence your life for a while?
Once you evaluate this, breathe and
commit to being thankful for whatever the impact of the experience.
Seek to count your blessings and thank God for His faithfulness to sustain you throughout this limit or loss.
Secondly, acknowledge that God is greater than any disappointment you face and He is able to comfort, protect and carry you through and beyond this.
God is mindful that we are but dust and commands us to cast ALL our cares on Him, because He cares for us.
“ 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on Him, because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:6-7
Thirdly, commit to being creative.
Are there new ways of doing things you can adopt now that your life has been intersected with the unexpected?
Recently, I injured my wrist and thumb when I fell as I helped a friend with a garden project. I was quite discouraged that first night and struggled not only with the pain, but also as I began to realize some things would have to significantly change for a period of time.
After I cried myself to sleep, the next morning I committed to focusing not on what I was unable to do, but what I could do. I then discovered unique ways to do things one-handed, plus gained a great appreciation for the way God has created our fascinating and amazingly mobile hand.
I had to:
1) recognize that this injury was not permanent,
2) realize with thanksgiving that God saved me from greater danger, and
3) reach out to those who could aid me with tasks that I cannot do for now.
Some of the world’s greatest treasury of music, poetry, and art is birthed out of the lives of individuals who have faced limits and losses. Choose to thrive and create in whatever circumstances in which you presently stand.
God is with you and for you and will enable you to endure and return you to joy once again.
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Gleanings From Heaven's Gate 