UNlimited

I left a little late for a prayer meeting. And of course… it happened.

I’m convinced it’s been scientifically proven that the degree to which you’re late is the degree to which a slowpoke pulls in front of you. I thought, “This always happens to me.” There I was—trying to weave around cars with the gall to drive the speed limit—while I was rushing to go pray.

So there I sat, six cars behind a guy in the passing lane, cruising like a turtle on a scenic tour. Naturally, he paced perfectly with the car in the right lane so no one could get by. I’m not prone to road rage, but I practically shouted, “I knew this would happen! Every time I’m late, I get stuck behind the guy driving like an audiobook on half speed.” 

I realized that it wasn't the speed limit sign that was limiting me. It was the person in front. They were limiting my ability to get where I needed to go.

Then I realized the reason I was late in the first place.

Right before I left, Trace and I had been talking about what might be keeping us from receiving the full manifestation of God’s promises in certain areas. We reflected on how blessed we are, how faithful God is, and how willing and able He is to save, heal, and deliver. We repented of everything, forgave everyone, and even prayed Psalm 19:12 together:

“How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults.” – Psalm 19:12

Then this verse hit me hard: 

“Yea, they turned back and tested God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.” – Psalm 78:41

Trace and I had just talked about the things we do that limit God—and then I got in the car and demonstrated all of them through what I thought, said, and did—right there behind Mr. Turtle Tour.

Here’s how we can limit or release God’s power and promises:

▸ What We Think

Our thoughts either align with God’s Word or echo fear, doubt, and defeat.

“As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” – Proverbs 23:7

“…we take captive every thought…” – 2 Corinthians 10:4–5

Taking our thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ overcomes our limitations, tears down doubt, pride, and fear, and aligns us with the God “who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” 

▸ What We Say

I told my friend, Ed, that I couldn’t do something.  He asked, “Do you know why?”  I took the bait… “Why?”  He answered, “Because you say you can’t.”  Busted!!!! 

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21

“You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you; so light will shine on your ways.” – Job 22:28

So, someone tell Ed I didn’t really proclaim, “I knew I’d get stuck behind a slowpoke.” (Except… I did.)

▸ What We Do

Disobedience hinders God’s promises. Obedience releases them.

Israel was destined for the Promised Land—a journey that should’ve taken 11 days—but their grumbling, fear, and rebellion kept them wandering 40 years.

“If you fully obey the Lord your God… all these blessings will come upon you… But if you do not obey… all these curses will come upon you.” – Deuteronomy 28:1–2, 15

“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” – Luke 11:28

Jesus took all the curses to the cross (Galatians 3:13), but that doesn’t make obedience optional—it makes it empowered. I told our children not to touch the stove and freed them from the curse of burned hands. If they disobey and touch the hot stove, even though I freed them, they will get burned. 

“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”Luke 11:28 

Obedience positions us to walk in everything grace provides.

▸ What We Believe

At the root of it all is belief. “Believe and receive. Doubt and do without.” Our beliefs drive our thoughts, our words, and our actions. 

“He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” – Matthew 13:58

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours…If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask.” Mark 11:24, Matthew 21:22

“You are blessed because you believed…” – Luke 1:45

Faith unlocks the door to God's fullness. Unbelief builds invisible walls that block what God has already given us and wants us to receive.

Israel grumbled (what they said), doubted (what they thought), and disobeyed (what they did)—and in doing so, they limited what God longed to do for them.

But we are not like them. 

“We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” – Hebrews 10:39

We are people who align our thoughts, words, beliefs, and deeds with the limitless God. And when we do, we live unlimited.