My friend and co-worker Leah often says when she establishes a limit or boundary “Future Leah will thank me for this.”
I remember earlier in the year I was so excited for the various opportunities that were coming my way. Don’t be mistaken, I’m still very excited and I don’t take it for granted that I get to teach and preach God’s Word around the country. But I am learning an important lesson on tour. I need to remember when I say “yes” to something today, to consider if future “Joel” will still be happy with that decision past Joel made.
I was on a call with a friend the other day and he said to try to wait to say yes to things till we are in the middle of the weight of a season of “yes’s” - this would be a safeguard to recognize our limits.
Limits can often feel like something to despise and be viewed as weakness and inability.
But I’ve come to learn that recognizing my limits is a gift. When I get to the end of myself I am in the perfect position to experience the provision of God.
Ignoring my limits is an invitation to overextending myself in a way that will bring on unnecessary exhaustion.
There is a fascinating passage in 2nd Corinthians 10 where Paul is committed to showing that he will not boast beyond the limits that God has set. Paul lets us know that God has “assigned” (2nd Cor 10:13) to us the measure of ministry allotted and then says he will not “overextend” himself. While the context of this passage is ministry limitations the principle extends to other areas of life. We have what God has given us. We have the strength and ability he has allotted to us. We should refrain from overextending because when we do, we are going beyond what God has assigned for us to carry. What a scary thought to move from the provision of God into trying to do something outside of his calling!
It’s such a humbling experience coming to a realization of our limits. It’s day four on a tour bus and I LOVE every moment of it. I also can feel myself getting tired. I am learning what my limits are and when I’ve experienced them and come to the end of myself I can honestly with integrity say, “I’ve done what I can. Now, I need some help.” Then, next time I remember the lesson of limits I learned this time and make wise decisions for the future.
I’m committed to future Joel thanking me for the acceptance of my limits and the trust that I place in God.
Love the post. Take a look at ‘Global Witness, Globally Reimagined’ on Substack. I think you will enjoy reflecting on what he has to say.