trbccoffeebreak

“But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.” Psalm 71:14 (ESV)

None of us like limitations, do we? I’m such an independent spirit, so I definitely can default to trying to exceed limitations. However, right now my hurt foot has sidelined me from a lot of my normal life. Totally love long walks in the autumn on leaf covered paths. Absolutely enjoy being outside even if it’s to do yard work. And the gym that’s my fave lunch spot – weights and cardio energize me for the afternoon.

So what’s a girl supposed to do when limitations and restraints are ever present?

The past two weeks, I have to admit left me zeroing in on all the things I couldn’t do. I can’t get those walks in. I can’t do any cardio. I can’t do yardwork. And the things I can do are taking a lot longer than usual. The list was endless. All a bunch of no’s which weren’t serving me well.

A new week, a new perspective this past Monday. I made the decision to head back to the gym and do what I could. No cardio, but I can do weights. No leg weights just upper body lifting. Definitely not my norm but at least I’m doing something. And it’s amazing how releasing some of those limitations has at least given me light at the end of the tunnel.

What about you sweet friend? Are you facing limitations? Is there a normal part of your life that’s no longer doable? Do you feel sidelined from doing the things you love? Has negativity seized control of your thoughts? Are you rehearsing a long list of no’s or I can’ts?

Discouragement can loom large when negativity settles in even if it’s based on reality. It’s in those moments, we have to dig deep and intentionally choose to ask God to show us what we can do rather than settle for all the no’s. The more we focus on what we can’t do, the more discouraged and defeated we become. Yet, the moment we seek God’s perspective and visualize the possibilities, we gain momentum to do what we can. Sometimes that might look like simply getting out of bed and facing another day. Sometimes it might look like creatively figuring out a modified way to get something done. Often it’s simply doing the next thing we can do one step at a time.

Regardless of how we pivot, we must pivot in a hope filled direction. Creating a strategy that lifts our spirits requires constant communication with our God through prayer, worship and solitude (soaking in His presence). Avoiding the enemy’s game plan to focus us on negativity requires that we stay plugged into God’s word. Hope filled scriptures remind us of God’s amazing plans for our lives. Inspiring scriptures unveiling God’s consistent character of how He enabled His people to rise above the obstacles will strengthen and encourage us  to endure disappointments and keep moving forward at God’s pace.

It’s a lesson worth learning  – limitations and restraints may sideline us but they don’t have to steal our joy and peace in the One who infuses us with hope along the way.

“Father, thank You for reminding us that Your loving faithfulness has no limits. Your presence is ever surrounding us. And when life sidelines us, we simply need to pivot and keep our eyes focused on You, our ever present help.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life