03172020 I Don't Like My Limitations

Dear Missionary Lady,



Greetings in the name of our unlimited God. I realize it's been only a few days since my previous letter, but I believe God prompted me to issue this "special edition," so I assume that means someone will profit from it.



I try not to get too personal too often, but sometimes sharing God's work in my own life seems to be a good approach. Last weekend I took a long-delayed trip to visit my parents, and I had a couple of hours in the car that I believed should be used to pray. I needed more than just brief prayers scattered throughout the day; I needed an extended time to really talk to God about my heart and life.



Lately I have been feeling in over my head in just about every area of life. I was talking to God about that, trying to get clarity and guidance about what was going on so I could think and respond correctly. One aspect I identified as I talked with God about being so overwhelmed was that of limitations.



I've had a lot of limitations lately. Post-flu, I still have to be careful how much I do. I've had to keep putting off settling-in aspects of my new house. Socially, I missed a lot of church, was delayed in taking a trip to my family, and haven't yet been able to invite in friends. Post-house-purchase, finances are tighter than I would like, and I'm having to delay some expenditures. My yard needs lots of work, and it's more than I can handle right now. I need approval and information from park management for some steps, and poor communication from them is crippling my plans. At work, I've had recent situations too complex for me to handle, and I haven't been able to get help. With all of these pressures and more, I often have felt just on the edge of exploding.



As I talked with God and allowed Him to guide my thoughts, I realized that my less-than-optimal spirit is due to not liking my limitations. I want to be able to do what I want to do, in both general living and in labor-intensive projects. I want to be able to spend time with people. I want to get more financially stable. I want my house to be fixed up to where I want it. I want to have a job with minimal stress.



But who gave me my limitations? Who providentially decided that each limitation was what I needed? Was God surprised by any of them? Did He not realize how many of them were coinciding? Was He unaware of all of the initial demands of a new house or of the long-lasting impact of the flu? Are they for nothing? Is God incapable of working through them? Can He not help me through them and give me His strength? Can He not carry me through every challenge and limitation?



Pondering those questions breaks down the frustration. It melts the inner anger that is simmering below the surface. It calms the spirit. It brings a measure of acceptance. At least it does so when one humbles her heart and yields to God's plan, with tears if necessary. And then comes grace. And peace. And sweet communion with God. And even joy.



I was already thinking of sharing part of this with you, and then my intentions were further encouraged by considering what is going on in our world right now. Many of you are facing limitations like you never have before in your lives. You can't have church. You can't meet in groups and in some cases not even with individuals. You can't greet people as you normally would and can't even stand within six feet of them. You can't go out shopping or to a restaurant. Your everyday travel is restricted, and you may be limited mostly to your own house. You can't find all the supplies you need. You have to substitute on foods and adapt meal preparation. Conferences, meetings, events, and special services are canceled or postponed. Planned trips have been canceled, and you have no idea how far into the future that will last. Life has become very restricted and very small.



Oh, and all of this "crisis" is on top of what was already happening in your life. Isn't it funny how all the things that were major concerns a few weeks ago have been swallowed up by something bigger? But those other things haven't disappeared. You still have those limitations, too - financial, relationships, health, family issues, ministry challenges, unresponsive audiences, uncooperative governments, etc.



We humans are by nature limited, and that is uncomfortable and often frustrating. But we have a God who has no limitations. And we have a God who is aware of and oversees all of our limitations. Nothing - whether long-term or current crisis - has surprised Him. He knows what He intends to accomplish individually, corporately, and globally. He always has a plan, and it is always good, and always designed to accomplish His good purposes.



As we yield to God and accept the limitations as being from His hand, He gives grace, peace, joy, strength, wisdom, sweet fellowship - all that we need to continue forward and to serve Him as we should.



I pray that for you, my sisters and friends. I pray that God will comfort you, stabilize you, guide you, strengthen you as you walk forward through these difficult days. I pray that He will help you to continue serving Him in all the ways that are possible within your current situation. That perhaps He will help you to see new and unique ways that will temporarily replace the standard avenues of ministry. What you do today matters for eternity - now as much as ever - even with the limitations. People need you. Need to see Christ in you. Need to experience God's love through your hands and your words. It will make a difference.



I have tried to be aware as I am able of your specific situations during this pandemic and of the specific impact on individual ministries, and to pray accordingly. Please know that you are not forgotten amidst the craziness that faces us all. May God bless you as you continue to faithfully and courageously serve Him where you are.



"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (II Corinthians 12:9).



Much love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA

www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com