On Sunday Pastor Eric shared a powerful message on Divine Limitations.

He began by giving the following example. There are certain sharks that can grow up to 3 feet’s long. But their growth is often limited when they have a small aquarium preventing it to grow to its full potential. Often times, these sharks reach only 6 inches long and die much younger due to their limited growth.

How many of us as Christians have the potential to grow in our faith? Yet, we don’t because of limitations? Here’s a list of 5 toxic limitations:

1). Words: it’s important to understand which words have more weight in your life. The words of others? Or the words of God? When we take the time to read God’s word we are equipped to handle the negative words of this world by using God’s words and promises over our lives.

2). Past: We often let our past define us. Especially our past sin. We must remember that God forgives when we ask and repent. Therefore it’s important to recognize your past, and learn from it. But don’t let it paralyze you in moving forward. Memorize this scripture anytime your past comes back to haunt you. Psalm 103:12 “as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us”. We are FORGIVEN.

3). Offense: offense, bitterness and being unable to forgive is a prison that the enemy uses to stunt our growth. Don’t give into the temptation to be offended. Forgive quickly, and LOVE one another. Don’t get caught up in justifying the wrongs someone has caused you resulting in you becoming offended and bitter. You only hurt yourself when you hang on to these negative emotions.

4). The mind: a dangerous place to be is believing a lie and calling it truth. These lies become a stronghold in our lives. Our mind is powerful and when it get infected with negative thoughts and lies, the downward spiral begins to quickly poison many other areas of your life. It really does start in the mind. Memorize this scripture to help with renewing your mind. Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”

5) Something or Someone: 1Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character”. Recognizing the potential hazards in our lives that stunts our spiritual growth is essential. What starts as one small moral compromise can quickly become a huge hazard in your spiritual growth.

God has created Divine Limitations to protect us. Matthew 28-19:20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

Many of us who have children, or pets, often build fences in our backyard. This isn’t to limit our children, it’s to protect them. Our children are safe and free to go play in the protection of our fenced in yards. The same concept is true with God. God wants to protect His children. When you truly understand this, you get to experience true FREEDOM.