Your greatest barrier is what sits between your ears. It is your mind. You have convinced yourself you will not succeed. You have dismissed the possibility and have already failed before you have even begun. You will not, because you believe not.
Living intentionally is living in faith. It is believing nothing is impossible with God. The Apostle Paul tells us:
(God) is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us … Ephesians 3:20 (ESV)
Most of us have no problem believing God can do anything. But check out the second part of that verse. It says the power of God to accomplish immeasurably more IS AT WORK WITHIN US. That is amazing! But we focus on what limits us rather than what empowers us.
Maybe what you see as an impossible obstacle is only a stepping stone for God. Consider the following verses:
For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 (ESV)
Our limitations are opportunities for God to be seen through us. Our weaknesses are God’s playground where his strength is shown.
Ok, that is the pep talk. But I also want to share a word of caution. The danger about all this talk about faith is that we think we need to try harder to believe more. We need to muster up enough willpower to overcome our lack of faith. Yet, the opposite is true. The starting point is identifying those points in our lives where we lack faith and then confessing our lack of faith before God.
Maybe you have allowed the past to define you. You have convinced yourself that your failures of the past are your future destiny.
Maybe you have focused on what you don’t have. You don’t have the education or experience of others. You may feel as if you are not as good looking or have as influential friends as others. You are convinced you lack the resources.
Maybe you think you are too old or too young. I was once told, “If you need an excuse, any excuse will do.” It’s not hard to convince ourselves we can’t.
The challenge for you is to identify these limiting beliefs (excuses). Make a list. Then confess them before God. Ask him to help you in your unbelief (see Mark 9:24). Don’t try to overcome you lack of faith on your own. Give it over to him. Let him have his way with your mind and your heart.
Questions for Reflection
- What are some limiting beliefs that hold you back from living intentionally in faith?
- How do we overcome our lack of faith?
- How can you help others live in faith to accomplish God’s will?
- Share your comments.
Marliss Laughridge says
Hi Pastor Phil, What encouraging words! I especially love verse Eph.3:20 and I don’t know if you remember but when you were Pastor at Lord of Life, that was the verse I prayed for you every Sunday as you prepared to preach the truth to the people. Thank you for your spiritual heart and your willingness to share the love of Jesus with everyone.
Marliss