Limiting God

Recently I re-read the Christian classic by John Hunter, Limiting God. I have to confess that my high view of God’s sovereignty makes it hard for me to think in terms of God being “limited” in any way. But scripture indicates we can do this. Notice Psalm 78:41-42: “Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. They did not remember His power; the day He redeemed them from the enemy.” Incredibly, despite all God had done to demonstrate His power and provision for God’s people, they forgot and thereby limited what God would do through them.

Have you ever looked out over today’s world with all of its problems, sin and suffering and asked, “Why doesn’t God do something about all of this?” The answer is: He wants to. He is all-powerful. He can do whatever He chooses. But He has given people free will. He will not force His people to believe Him or obey Him. He generally declines to work mightily through people who doubt or disobey Him.

Is God working mightily through your life? What about your church? If not, why not? It is not that He can’t. It may be that you have somehow been limiting what God does through you because you do not truly believe that He can or will. I have been keenly aware in recent days of how precious each day is. Every day holds enormous potential for serving God. So much can be accomplished for His kingdom. But I have to believe. How can you tell if I believe God can work mightily through my life? Look at what I am doing and attempting. If I say I could never do something for God, I am saying more about my belief in God than about my inability. “For with God, NOTHING will be impossible!” (Luke 1:37).

I have been reading The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham by Harold Myra and Marshall Shelley. Here is someone who believed God could do anything and God has used him mightily. I believe that in the day in which we live, God’s people must live as if they truly believe God all-powerful. There is too much at stake for us to live at a spiritual level below where God wants us to live and serve Him.

Prayers

I would appreciate your prayers this month. My parents will be going on a long-overdue vacation. My mother is recovering from recently having her gallbladder removed and my father has been tired from his extensive travel schedule. I also appreciate your prayers as I will be on a speaking tour through Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand. Pray that I would encourage the believers to not limit God’s work in any way through unbelief. Also pray for me as I bring my fifteen-year-old daughter Carrie with me. I am asking God to give me all kinds of wonderful memories with my only daughter!

May you experience God’s power working mightily through your life in the coming days.

Posted by Richard Blackaby at 8:00 am