The only true happiness comes from squandering ourselves for a purpose.
William Cowper 1731-1800
Do you ever feel limited by your circumstances? Many of us may feel called to some greater purpose but have experienced the confinement of our limitations. But how many of us, despite the things that limit us, feel truly free to live within God's purpose for our lives?
I am reading the book Poets & Saints, by Jaime George (click here).
In it George highlights the story of John Newton, former slave trader
turned
pastor, who penned the famous lyrics of “Amazing Grace” in 1773.
Newton wrote the hymn in the upstairs office of a home in the town of Olney, England. But the hymn would not be sung within the walls of a church until 1820. Until then, it had been more acceptable to recite chants in church worship. So Newton began holding services in another building near the church to offer the opportunity for Christians to worship through song. In Newton's story, George discusses how we often view our purpose within the context of our limitations.
I think about the lies we sometimes tell ourselves and too often believe: “Oh I can't do that because I'm only ___. I feel stuck in my situation. If I ever get out of this then I will ___.” But as my father, an artist, often said to my brother and me, “Embrace your limitations.”
Newton wrote the hymn in the upstairs office of a home in the town of Olney, England. But the hymn would not be sung within the walls of a church until 1820. Until then, it had been more acceptable to recite chants in church worship. So Newton began holding services in another building near the church to offer the opportunity for Christians to worship through song. In Newton's story, George discusses how we often view our purpose within the context of our limitations.
I think about the lies we sometimes tell ourselves and too often believe: “Oh I can't do that because I'm only ___. I feel stuck in my situation. If I ever get out of this then I will ___.” But as my father, an artist, often said to my brother and me, “Embrace your limitations.”
What limitations are you facing today? I love the promise of Romans 8:28 “for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose....” God is orchestrating all things for your good. Your context may feel limited, but it is your perceived limitations that become the context in which you are free to live your true calling in Christ.
Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us... {Eph 3:20 AMP}
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