“Yes, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.” Psalm 78:41
Dear Ones:
Many years ago, my Dad told me: “Do not put God in a box.” What did he mean by this? Perhaps the first thing we need to ask is, “What does it mean to put God in a box?” In Jesus’ dealings with two blind men, after asking them if they believed that He was able to heal them, He then said: “According to your faith be it unto you.” (Matt. 9:29) James, in his epistle, wrote: “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering (…or doubting).” (1:6) He goes on to say that the one who wavers will NOT receive anything from the Lord. We see here by these two examples that faith, or rather the lack of it, can limit God in what He desires to do. But there is another very specific reason by which we can limit God. It has to do with our thoughts, more specific with regard to the knowledge of who God is, and what is His will. The measure of our faith depends upon our vision of God. The limits of our faith, whether vast or small, are also measured by the knowledge of His will. The question then becomes, “Are we limiting God to accomplish in and through our lives what He wills to do? And secondly, can He find faith in our hearts that will lay hold upon Him for the realization of that will, unwavering faith that overcomes all obstacles to it?
In the story of Ester, Mordecai her uncle, declared to her at a very crucial time, one where the lives of many thousands of Jews were at stake: “And who knows whether you are come to the kingdom FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS?” (Ester 4:14) We know from Scripture that God forms us in the womb of our mothers. (Ps. 139) We know also that in the body of Christ, God places every member in it as He wills, in His wisdom and love. So, each of us is placed on this earth, for such a time as this, in a sphere of influence that is particularly our own. In that sphere, God gives faith to trust Him to fill it, according to His will. He SETS the limits of faith according to His work and purpose. However, here is the problem to Him filling up that sphere. It lies in the lack of our pursuit of Him in worship and service. He is the sole Giver of faith, and the one that fulfills or answers that faith. If there is no pursuit of Him, a diligent and earnest seeking of Him in His word, then there will not be the corresponding faith to trust Him fully.
One of the great prayers given to us by the Apostle Paul is found in the third chapter of his letter to the Ephesians. He writes: “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly ABOVE ALL that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto Him be glory in the church.” (v.20) Why does Paul write these words for the Ephesians? Because he wants them to pray them, believe them, and expect their realization in the church, and in their individual lives. What is the key to God taking us beyond “what we could ask or think,” beyond the limits of the box? It is in praying and believing Him to strengthen us in our hearts to lay hold of Him by faith, giving Him the limitless possibility to do the wonderful thing…for He is God. There are no boxes with God, only the limits that He imposes by His blessed and good will, or those imposed by our unbelief. But rest assured, that will of God EXCEEDS what we can ask or think, because of the goodness and wisdom of His heart.
Dear Father, give us grace NOT to quench Thy Spirit, or limit You, in what You desire and will to do. Give us to be humbly audacious in seeking Your face, believing You for the wonderful thing for Your glory, whenever, however, wherever, whatever. We thank and praise You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad