Unlimited

Unlimited

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.

BEEP. Beep. Beep. The alarm jarred me from sleep, and I tumbled out of bed to slap the off button on the clock. Sitting back on the edge of the bed, I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and tried to wake up. It was Saturday morning, and I’d need to leave shortly in order to make the 8 a.m. start time for our weekly women’s Bible study. Shuffling down the stairs, I brewed coffee and grabbed a to-go cup on my way out the door.

Though I loved our Bible study, I had difficulty getting out of bed each Saturday morning. I’ve always been a night owl, but when Saturday mornings arrived, those late-night tendencies felt like a limitation. Although I firmly believe that Scripture is true in reminding us that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength (see Philippians 4:13), my own limitations sometimes get in the way of truly believing and resting in God’s unlimited power and authority.

A few years ago, I read a fascinating article. In it, the authors noted that scientists had discovered the gene that governs whether someone is an early riser or a night owl. I was thrilled—finally, I could stop feeling shame over my late-night tendencies. They were simply part of who I am. Though it seems small, the revelation sparked a question: What else spurs shame or insecurity? I’m sensitive, I’m shy, I like solitude. I accept those facets of myself, but sometimes struggle to embrace them. Yet aren’t those characteristics just another kind of late-night gene?

Thankfully, God is not limited by what we see as our limitations. His power is unlimited, vast, infinite. Regardless of whether we see a part of ourselves as a blessing or a hardship, our ability to carry out God’s work in the world is not constrained by our own limitations. For it is not us, but Christ who lives within us, whose unlimited strength and power we can access. Knowing that, we can be secure in his love and rest in his power.

Lord, thank you for the unlimited love you pour on us and the power of your strength at work within us. Help us to recognize and find our confidence in you. Amen.

-Kristin

One Good Step: Write down three traits or characteristics that feel limiting to you. Next, cross each of those items out and write down today’s verse instead, reinforcing God’s unlimited power.