Limits

READ: MATTHEW 11:28-30; 1 PETER 4:10-11

Do you know what I hate? Limits. I hate that I’m a finite being and I can’t do everything. I hate that I can’t have all the skills, all the energy, and all the knowledge. I can’t do all the things, and I can’t be all the things. And I hate that.

But I’m learning not to hate it anymore. I used to think it was valiant to hate limits. I’ve always been told that I can do anything, be anything. And limits keep me from doing everything I want to do and being everything I want to be. So I have to hate them and overcome them, right?

Well, sometimes. Some limits do need to be overcome. But not all of them. Because, do you know who gave me these limits? God. And do you know the only one who doesn’t have limits? God. So when I try to push past every limit and when I start expecting myself to be able to do everything, I’m trying to do God’s job. I’m trying to be God. And I am definitely not God.

God has given me gifts and abilities and energy, and I’m so grateful for them. They are valuable and wonderful and useful. But there are some gifts and abilities that I don’t have, and my energy is not endless. And that’s okay. I’m learning to accept that. Because my worth is not found in my abilities. My worth is found in Jesus, who took on our limits by becoming human. He died and rose again to make the way for me to be with Him forever. He put me in community with other believers who have other gifts and abilities, so we can lean on each other instead of trying to do everything ourselves. When I rest in that truth, my limits become less scary.

So when I bump into my limits, I don’t have to be ashamed or afraid. I can say, “Well, I can’t do that right now. And that’s okay.” I am securely loved by our limitless God. I can trust Him to care for me and do the things I can’t do. And that fills me with limitless peace. • Taylor Eising

• What kinds of limits have you experienced? Are there things you wish you could do that you just can’t do? Consider taking a moment to talk to God about these things. He invites us to be totally honest with Him about all our frustrations, fears, hopes, dreams, and hurts.

• God comforts us in our struggles, and He promises to make all things new when Jesus returns. Then we will have limitless energy, and we will get to enjoy doing wonderful things we can’t even imagine yet! Consider taking a moment to read 2 Corinthians 1:3-11. Why do you think God allows us to experience limits? How does He help us in the midst of our struggles?

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I [Jesus] will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (CSB)