Looking Past Our Limitations

I was enjoying my morning run as the sun was shining, birds were singing sweetly, and the fragrant smell of fresh honeysuckles filled the air. Suddenly I was startled by the loud sound of barking, and noticed the dog sitting near a garage, barking her little doggie lungs out.

Although her bark seemed fierce, she did not run towards me – she was old; her hair was shaggy and faded; she was tired; her legs didn’t work as well as they used to; and she no longer had the physical strength or energy to dart across the yard. However, she chose not to allow her limitations to stop her voice from being heard.

I admired her for her tenacity, and for her passion to fulfill her purpose of protection for her owners. Even though she now had challenges that prevented her from doing all she once did, she still gave it all she had.

As I continued running, I had to ask myself if I exert that same energy for Christ, even when limitations have befallen me. So many times, we allow the circumstances that happen in our lives, and the limitations that may happen to our physical bodies, to keep us from living out loud with our faith. The Webster definition of “living” says “the condition of being alive”, but the biblical definition of “living” is that the Holy Spirit resides within our bodies, but also within our souls.

We are told in Genesis 2, “ ….God formed Man out of dirt from the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life. The Man came alive—a living soul!” Adam's body was formed from the dust, but Adam's spirit was made in the image of God. Every person on earth can live – but only those who have accepted Christ as the true son of God, are truly alive in body, heart and soul.

The decision to become a Christian is the beginning of a new life where many opportunities and challenges await us. Yet once we accept that new life, we are faced with another decision – will we live out our faith on a daily basis – despite our circumstances, challenges, and, yes, even physical limitations?

Scripture teaches us that although we may have limitations in our life or physical bodies, those things do not limit our abilities in Christ and we can find our strength in Him. Isaiah 40:29 says “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak; Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

God is the giver of all life – not just the gift of being alive, but the gift of a living soul. If you have allowed your physical limitations to keep you from living out loud, ask God to show you how you can continue to serve Him, and for the strength to do His will despite your circumstances.

If you have never asked Christ into your heart and life, considering making that amazing choice today. Give God the opportunity to breathe life into your soul, to fill your heart with a love that is overflowing, and a passion to share the hope you have found with others, by living, (or “barking”) out loud for Him.