Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” Our paths are not controlled by external circumstances as much as by our limiting beliefs and empowering truths.
A limiting belief is a lie we have embraced that holds us back from walking in the fullness of life that God desires for us. An empowering truth is a promise of God that enables breakthrough in the places we find ourselves stuck. If you need an excuse, any excuse will do. Our limiting beliefs are often excuses we give ourselves that rob us of the destiny God has in store for us. The way that limiting beliefs are overcome is to embrace the empowering truths of God.
Below you will find a list of limiting beliefs to which we often surrender. But I also offer an empowering truth that will counter the limiting belief.
- I am alone. No, God is with me. (Psalm 46:1,11; Matthew 1:23; 28:20)
- I can’t. No, God can. (Luke 18:27; Philippians 4:13)
- I am a failure. No, I am a child of God. My identity is found in who God made me to be, not in what I do.
- Nobody loves me. No, God loves me. (John 3:16)
- God is punishing me. No, God is patient with me. (Romans 5:3-52, Peter 3:9)
- The road is too long. Yes, the road is long, but I will take one step at a time and one day at a time. With a little progress every day, I will be amazed at how far I will go. (Matthew 6:33-34)
- I have nothing to be grateful for. No, there are blessings to be found every day. (1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalm 118:24)
- This will never end. No, there is a new season ahead. The lessons I am learning in this difficult season of life will make the next season even more abundant. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Jeremiah 29:11)
- I am too old. No, I have wisdom and experience on my side. (Matthew 1:19-25, 2 Timothy 2:22)
- I am too young. No, I have youth, vigor, and enthusiasm on my side. (Matthew 1:26-38, 1 Timothy 4:12)
- I can’t go on. No, God gives me the strength to endure. (1 Chronicles 16:11, John 14:6)
- There is not enough time. No, there is exactly the right amount of time to do everything God had called me to do. (Genesis 1:3-5, Psalm 91:12)
- I don’t have a choice. No, I always have a choice of how I will respond. No one can take that away from me. (Deuteronomy 30:19, Joshua 24:15)
- I have never done it that way before. I have faith that there are new opportunities and doors to be opened up. Our God is a God of the NEW! (Matthew 9:17, 2 Corinthians 5:17)
- Nothing will change. No, change starts with me. (Mark 1:15, 2 Corinthians 7:10)
- I don’t need anyone else. No, God has put other people in my life so that we can support each other and accomplish more together. (Exodus 18:13-27, Acts 6:1-7)
- There is no hope. No, my hope is in Jesus, who heals the sick, casts out the demons, gives sight to the blind, and raises the dead. (Luke 7:22, 24:6-7)
- I have to do everything. No, I need to focus on what God has called me to do and gifted me to do. I have put upon myself things I need to delegate, defer, and delete from my task list. (Ephesians 4:11, 1 Corinthians 12:27-31)
- I am a victim. No, I am MORE than a conqueror through Jesus who loves me. (Romans 8:37)
- I can’t forgive. No, God has forgiven me, and that empowers me to forgive others. (Matthew 6:12, 18:21-35)
- My problem is so unique, no one else can understand or relate. No, Jesus understands. And others have gone through the same struggles. (Hebrews 4:15)
- I don’t have enough (You fill in the blank). No, God provides more than enough for me to be generous with my time, treasure, and talent. (John 6:35, Ephesians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 8:1-7)
- No one! Everyone! They all think (You fill in the blank). No, I will not embrace categorical thinking. I cannot please everyone. There will be critics. But I will not let a few critics keep me from being a blessing to many others. (1 Samuel 16:7, John 7:17)
- I am an imposter. They are going to figure me out. No, I have my valuable contribution and voice to offer. (Exodus 4:10-13, 1 Corinthians 1:27-29)
- Everyone else has such a great life. No, everyone has their struggles. Some are just better at hiding it than others. Treat every person as if they are hurting deep inside.” (John 16:33, Romans 3:23)
Barbara Elder says
This is beautiful and so relevant in today’s world. Thank you for sharing❤️
Ross Witthoeft says
Timely, meaningful & with great impact! Thank you for your shepherdship!
Marianne Krawiec says
I love this. It came at the right time for me today! Thank you
Kristie Bloomquist says
Thank you for helping me go forward with a positive outlook. I appreciate your posts.
Sharon Hoyt says
I’m going to print this out and put it on my mirror. These thoughts! They come back time and again. Constantly having the truth to combat them keeps me close to God’s side.
Vicki says
Perfect reminders. Thank you so much. YOU are very much appreciated.
Dickson Okel Ebulu says
This stigma called limiting beliefs has held me backward, right. I’m happy that I found prevailing truths that counters it through the word of God. I appreciate you deeply.
Sue Lanzafama says
Beautiful sharing of God’s love, blessings and truths of his word.
Brenda LoDrago says
Thank you Pastor ! Really need to read this list on a daily basis to keep my heart in the right place.
R Saatdjian says
Thank you Pastor daily things to remind us God is always with us
Kenda Zawadzki says
Oh so timely! Thank you!
Danielle Chryssikos says
This is great! Thank you so much.
Ann D. Jablon says
Dear Pastor Phil,
All of your writings and all of your guidance have been so instrumental in helping me to find my way to God. You are inspirational. Your words always arrive at the right moment.
My deep gratitude for your shepherdship.
Marilyn P Graham says
Couldn’t step reading! Every passage spoke to me.