3 Limitations That are a Gift From God

“In 1000 feet take the exit right.” The automated gps voice instructs me.
I round the exit, make a few more dictated turns and end up in a residential neighborhood with those annoying speed bumps. I grit my teeth, curl my fingers around the steering wheel and shake it. “I just wanna get there.” I yell out. “How do I get back to the highway?”

We say the same thing with our calling. We know where we want to go and we trust God will guide us on the fastest and most efficient way.

But slow down? That is not in our American Capitalist blood.

Do. Produce. Become. We want to be great as fast as possible.

But God says, “You already are.”

Our mission is not your identity. Loved is our identity.

We are His family. He wants to raise us right. He wants us to be people of character and love. He wants us to be relational and enjoy connection with Him and others. He wants us to enjoy the life He gave us.

Limitations slow our pace, yet increase endurance. Limits build family and grow relationships. Limits give us more time to construct the character we need for the mission God has for us.

Healthy Limitations

1. We need to rest.

Don’t be afraid of it. Enjoy the slow ascent in your calling. Don’t worry, it won’t skew God’s perfect timing. But, it will refresh you.

Watch a movie.

Bake a cake just for the pleasure of it.

Take a walk.  Not a prayer walk, just a plain old walk. Watch the neighborhood dog dart after the squirrel he never catches. Let the frosty air fill your lungs and awaken your body.

2. Love Your People Today.

Workaholics mean well. But often, at the end of the day, we serve our loved ones the picked through leftovers of our hearts. Slow down and recognize interruptions from people as good limitations. Don’t plow past them along the way. Later you’ll find yourself alone, looking back with regret.

If the kids are sick, call out of work. No doing laundry allowed. Get take-out and cuddle them while they are still little.

3. Delays Deepen Our Character

Ever wonder why we keep learning the same lessons repeatedly?

God is ripening our fruit. Unripe fruit conveys a hint of its potential flavor. Yet it’s tough flesh doesn’t release that succulent taste we were hoping for. It needs time to sweeten and tenderize for ease of consumption by others.
We have insight and talent within us. We just need time to ripen our fruit. (Galatians 5:22)

God Will do It

You will see your dream come to pass. God will take you to the place you are aiming for. Trust that. Don’t rush the process. Don’t miss developing the richness of what you are really capable of. Don’t despise the pace you are on. God knows the room we need to grow. Enjoy your life right where you are.

Do you need permission to slow down? You got it.

Today embrace the place you are in. Embrace the pace you are going with God. Embrace the peace in the pace of your race.

What are some of the God given limitations in your life today? How can you embrace them this week?