Dear Ones:
If ever there was a realm of our existence which declares to us our limitations, it is the physical realm, more specifically, our bodies. As with just about everything else, we are able with certain means and methods, to bring ourselves to the edge of our limits. But the fact is, the limits are there, and they are “infranchissable,” not to be crossed, otherwise, definite negative results will occur. It is the same in the spiritual realm, although the limits are definite, specific, and absolute. I refer primarily to the Word of God, its nature and unchanging character. What happens then when we, with our finite existence and needs, come face to face with the infinite demands of perfection? It is at this critical point that a great and wonderful reality appears on the horizon, like the little cloud that Elijah’s servant saw as he peered out over the sea. That cloud would become a mighty storm, and bring blessing far and wide. And so is the cloud of God’s blessing, which may appear small at first, burst upon us, to reveal to us that our limitations are God’s wondrous possibilties.
One of the great Psalms that brings us face to face with this reality is Psalm 107. Time and again, Israel is faced with limits that she cannot go beyond, and yet, failure to go beyond those limits will mean death and destruction. For example, “…Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and the Lord delivered them out of their distresses. And He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.” (v.5-7) At least three times in this psalm, as a result of God’s intervention in dire circumstances, the Psalmist says this: “Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men.” (vs. 8,15,21) What is that “possibility of God” which responds to the cry of the heart? It the infinite goodness and mercy of God. There are times when it is very apparent that the limitations of men have been reached. There are times (…from a human perspective) when there is NO reason for which God will intervene and deliver, provide, and bless. And yet, He does. Why? Because God is a God of mercy, looking beyond our helpless state, to see, and meet our specific need. He is also a God of goodness…inescapable, limitless goodness. Indeed, He waits to be gracious to us all. The reason why we do not experience His mercy and goodness in our limitations, is that we do not cry unto Him, call upon Him, seek Him. We think in our modern era that all is automatic. But God is not “modern.” In each of the examples where this goodness and mercy was revealed to Israel, we find Israel crying out to the Lord. David wrote in Ps. 34:9, “…This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.”
The recognition of our limitations, whether they be physical or spiritual, is God’s call to us to seek Him, find Him, know Him. His possibilities begin with the recognition of our limitations. Motivation? He is ALWAYS, at every moment, merciful and good. “Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that HOPE IN HIS MERCY.” (Ps. 33:18)
Love, Dad