Pushing Past Your Limits

Main Scripture: “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. Isaiah 54:2-4 (NIV)

 Music to meditate on: I Believe I can Fly – R. Kelly (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbUpPVOEkdA)

In this morning’s scripture we see where the Israelites are being told to enlarge, stretch and lengthen. Some synonyms for these words are increase, expand, broaden and widen. They are being encouraged not to hold back. In other words the Israelites are being encouraged to spread out and think big.

In order to do this the Israelites would have to push past their limitations. They have to push past the limitations of their resources and their minds and trust God. The scripture also says they should not be afraid and they should not fear disgrace and shame. It also says that they will forget about the humiliations of their youth and their current condition of woman hood.

Often times we don’t achieve success or we don’t step out into our purpose because we limit ourselves. We also tend to put limits on what God is able to do in our lives. Ephesians 3:20 tells us that God “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” As such today we are encouraged to take the limits off God and ourselves. Some common limitations are:

Habits – How many times have we been in a situation and we say “well that’s just who I am and I can’t change” Or “it just does not come natural.” A recent research by Phillippa Lally and colleagues from the Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre based at UCL Epidemiology and Public Health has found that it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit. Ladies if there is anything that you have been meaning to do but have been telling your self that you can’t, I encourage you today start forming new habits, sooner or later it will become a normal part of your routine.

Past Experiences and Mistakes – Many times we allow our past to determine our future. However, not because you failed at something or you had a bad experience it means that you can’t become what you want to be. Stop listening to the lies of the devil, yourself and others. Start thinking positively and believe that the sky is the limit. Romans 8:1 tell us that “there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (NLT)

Current Circumstances – Who we are now does not define our possibilities, I have heard of many stories of persons who were poor but did not allow there circumstances to determine their future. You might not have the resources now but trust God to provide the resources, the knowledge and the help required to take you were you want to be. Do not give up on your dreams, think big.

Traditions – Because we have knowledge of something does not mean that there is no more to know about that thing. As such, although we were taught a particular way to do something doesn’t mean that we have to continue doing it that way. Seek to find new ways of doing things, take off the limitations of traditions. Research and network or even come up with your own ideas. An invention is something that no one else has ever discovered.

Status Quos – We often allow the fear of messing up the status quo to limit our passion and potential. However, all great men and women had to cause some disruption in the status quo. As Gandhi once said “be the change you want to see in the world.”

Nelson Mandela said that “There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”  Ladies this morning I want you to know that there is too much potential and passion that is shut up in you to allow any of the above to above to limit your capabilities.

Whatever you need to do today, don’t just settle with where you are, strive to be in the realm of the extraordinary, God will give you the strength to do it. Push pass the limits that you have set for your self. There is so much that depends on you pushing past your limits, your marriage depends on it, your children depends on it, your success depends on it, your legacy depends on it, your relationship with God depends on it , your whole life depends on you pushing past your limitations

Let’s Pray

Lord Jesus, thank you for placing in us passion and purpose but Lord today we pray that you will reveal to us mysteries God. Show us the pur real possibilities and give us the courage and will to take the limits of our self and you. Enlarge our mind so that we may see your vision for us instead of limiting ourselves to our habits, past experiences and mistakes, current circumstances, traditions and status quo. Take us to another level Lord where we can access us our full capabilities.

In Jesus Name

Amen

Have a God Filled Day Ladies