Defy Limitations

Limitations only exist if we impose them upon ourselves within our minds. Many people limit themselves on what they can accomplish in life because they are not aware of their faulty thinking. I hope this message encourages you to defy your limitations.

In 2014 I had the pleasure of hearing Amy Purdy speak at Oprah's Two-day Life You Want Weekend event in San Jose, CA. She contracted Meningitis and was only given 2% chance to live. She not only survived that illness, but she began snowboarding again, even after she had both legs amputated. Her story was so uplifting, inspiring and encouraging because she defied all medical limitations and began enjoying the sport she loved so much.

Let's take a look at a few passages that tell us to be bold and courageous!

Philippians 4:13

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Proverbs 3:26

"For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared."

Joshua 1:9

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Hebrews 11:1

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

2 Corinthians 5:7-9

"We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it."

Proverbs 28:1

"The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion."

When I think about personal limitations I'm reminded of the story in the Bible where the young rich ruler asks Jesus what he must do to have eternal life and in Matthew 19:16-30 he is told to sell his possessions. Instead of doing so, he walks away grieving because he had many possessions. This young man's limitation was his worldly possessions because he didn't want to give them up.

What personal limitations do you need to overcome?

If you were to ask God what limitations you need to let go of, what would God say is keeping you from His best? For you, it may not be possessions like the young ruler; instead, it could be fear, worry, or even doubt.

I love what James 1:12 reminds us of.

James 1:12 NIV

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

So often we believe the lies that Satan has told us, you know the lie that says, "I could never do that" or "I lack the ability or confidence". Friends let today be the day you let go of every self-imposed limitation you have listened to over the years and begin viewing yourselves from God's perspective.

Matthew 19:26 NIV

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

God would tell you that with His help you can accomplish ANYTHING you set your mind to! But we cannot doubt, we must believe it! James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." We are told we only need to have faith the size of a mustard seed.

There are so many great quotes on overcoming our self-imposed limits. I thought I'd share a few with you, let me know which one resonates with you most.

• “Don’t limit your challenges. Challenge your limits.” Anonymous

• “Limits like fears are often just an illusion.” Michael Jordan

• “Don’t set limits on your unlimited potential.” Anonymous

• "Don't let your past limit your future." Anonymous

• “You only know yourself when you go beyond your limits.” Paulo Coelho

• "The only limits you have are the limits you believe." Wayne Dyer

• “Stop limiting your potential. Realize that there’s an unlimited amount of things that can do with your life.” Sonya Parker

Matthew 17:20 ESV

He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Friends, my prayer for you today is that you will remember who your creator is. He is the God of impossible, He can overcome any limitation you have placed on yourself. Start walking boldly and courageously toward your dreams! With God by your side, you can and will overcome every obstacle in front of you. Be like Amy Purdy and work tirelessly towards your goals until you accomplish them. Don't give up because you have the ability to defy all limitations!

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime