Firstly, let us look at the definition of the word limit, or to limit. According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary the meaning given is that of a point beyond which it is not possible to go. An enclosed boundary, confinement, restraint, restriction, or a barrier to block off or contain, are all suitable synonyms to consider.

People are limited in many ways depending on our health, the amount of sleep we get or do not get, the energy levels we have on a daily basis, and whether we have the ability to see and hear effectively. These are just a few physical aspects to consider. There are also other ways humans are limited. Our thinking – whether positive or negative – is also a major factor on how we initiate interactions, react to others, and respond. Our lives can be limited in so many ways. As Ecclesiastes 8:8 mentions “…….And no one has power in the day of death”. We know that we will all die one day and that there is no escaping death. As such we are finite beings living in finite bodies within a finite time frame here and now on the earth. Our brains are constantly considering what we can and can not do. This is a healthy modus operandi as God designed us this way to be able to assess our own capabilities and whether or not we are safe in our environment. We are continually thinking in a limited way because we relate to limitations and boundaries. We are familiar with our limits. Simply put, limitations are what we know.

Our God is the God of the Impossible

In order to know God we are developing a relationship with Him daily in prayer and through reading and meditating on His word. As Christians we experience trials and tests, on this journey to The Kingdom, which develop character based on the choices we make from our own free will and that of obedience to God, if we are led by His Spirit. At some point we have or will come to realise that God can do anything based on these experiences. We can all recount instances where we had to come to trust God in circumstances which defied human logic, reasoning, or thinking.

It is certainly inspirational to read about the faith of Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Rahab, in addition to many others in Hebrews 11, which is known as the faith chapter. It truly is all about faith, or lack thereof. Hebrews 11:1 states “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. Everyone mentioned in Hebrews 11 had to develop faith in God to do the possible with the Impossible no matter the circumstance. Just how do we get to this point in our journey if we are not there yet and recognise that we do indeed limit God? Simple. We need faith building moments. Let's look at some from both the Old and New Testaments.

If we go to Jeremiah 32:27 we can read of the close interaction he had with God. “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there any thing too hard for me?” Jeremiah prays for understanding and says in 32:17 “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm, there is nothing too hard for you”. Jeremiah had the faith needed to believe and obey in order to be an effective prophet carrying out God's will. Jeremiah knew that God is not bound by human limitations. That He is able to do anything and everything, and that He is indeed limitless.

Another great example is that of Abraham. In Romans 4:20-22 God clearly states “He (Abraham) did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what he had promised he was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness”. Here we have the remarkable example of Abraham, the father of the faithful, totally confident in God and in what He says He will do. Abraham believed despite his and his wife Sarah's great age, her barren or dead womb incapable of bearing a child, that God would bless them with a son. Furthermore, Abraham was willing to sacrifice this son Isaac when God asked this of him. The account is given in Genesis 22. God needed to test Abraham and by extension we will all be tested at one time or another in various ways. Imagine hearing the words from God “for now I know that you fear God” because we have not withheld anything, even our most loved or prized possession from Him. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Surely we passionately want to please God?!

Lessons for God's People in these End Times

In contrast to Abraham and Jeremiah who were tested and proved faithful, in Psalm 78:40-42 we read about rebellious Israel tempting God and limiting the Holy One of Israel. They did not remember God's power nor the day God redeemed them from the enemy. We must learn from this example and remember God's power when He redeemed us as we came out of the world when He called us. We became spiritual Israelites upon baptism and entered into a binding covenant after repenting of our sinful ways. There were many things that may not have been easy to do coming out of the world, and it took some effort.

Whatever the season or the circumstances, we certainly have a great abundance of blessings to be thankful for to our great and most wonderful Father. As we prepare for His Kingdom perhaps we can focus on our calling and what a miracle that was, in and of itself, by God Himself. Attending the Night to be Much Observed is a very special occasion to commemorate the Israelites leaving Goshen to head to the city of Rameses ready to leave Egypt. By extension we also have come out of the world, which symbolises Egypt. Perhaps we could share our experiences with brethren whenever we find occasion to fellowship. As we do this we must never forget God’s ability to do the possible with the impossible. Jesus Christ reinforced this message in Matthew 19:26 when He said to His disciples, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible”.