In life, there are circumstances that limit us. Immigrants face barriers such as language, culture, and legal status. In addition, unexpected events or accidents often tighten the grip on our situation, restricting our freedom.
Instinctively, humans do not rejoice in limitations. However, today, let’s re-interpret the spiritual benefits of the limitations we face through the lens of faith. We hope that by doing so, we can recycle the limitations that bind us and transform them into possibilities.
There are at least four biblical reasons why God allows limitations in our lives:
1. Within Limitation, There Is Coexistence
Sin introduced limitations into human history. When sin entered, the relationship between God and humans was severed, and Adam and Eve experienced alienation from each other. Furthermore, boundaries between humanity and nature emerged. In Genesis 3, after humans ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, God cast them out of Eden and placed boundaries around the Garden to prevent access to the tree of life.
Sin created clear boundaries, but the concept of limitation existed even before sin—it’s part of God's design.
"At that time I was beside him, like a master workman, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing before him always, rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the children of man.” (Proverbs 8:27-29)
God established the limits of creation so that all things coexist in harmony and reflect His glory. The distance between the earth and the sun, if altered even slightly, would cause destruction. God also established law and order for humans. For example, traffic laws must be obeyed, and boundaries exist even without sin.
2. Within Limitation, There Is Uniqueness
Why has the streetwear brand “Supreme” become so popular? Supreme collaborates with other brands to release limited-edition items. Young people today will pay high resale prices just to own something unique and exclusive.
There is value in scarcity. As believers, we are a chosen few, specially selected for God's plan of salvation. We must understand and enjoy the value that God has placed on our existence, even in our limitations.
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)
3. Within Limitation, There Is Eternity
Life becomes special because of the limitations of time. One person said in an interview, "Every day is precious because we live with the certainty of death and the uncertainty of when it will come."
"Man’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed." (Job 14:5)
It’s true: God holds the authority over life and death. Thus, we are forced to consider eternity, which leads us to desire eternal things rather than the fleeting pleasures of the world.
In moments that seem to bind us, we must seek that which is eternal. Hardships often reveal the invisible chains that bind us, even when we aren’t aware of them.
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18)
4. Within Limitation, There Is Creativity
Japan is known for its culture and creativity, which are sometimes extreme and groundbreaking. Why? Because Japan is an island nation with geographical limitations. These limitations forced the Japanese people to become highly inventive. Thus, “otaku” subcultures arose—obsessions that people deeply explore.
Sushi, for example, emerged because in 675 AD, Emperor Tenmu banned the consumption of meat, and with Japan surrounded by the sea, fish and rice became staple foods.
British literary giant G.K. Chesterton once said, "Art consists of limitation. The most beautiful part of every picture is the frame." Music, too, thrives within the limitations of the octave scale.
Today’s young people often wait to start until they have everything in place. This seems like good preparation, but it often masks an excuse for inaction rooted in a victim mentality—believing that others have what they lack. But the gospel solves this issue. The Bible says God uses the weak to shame the strong and that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Are you currently in a limited situation? Do you blame your parents, the times, or yourself? Now, focus on what you have, not what you lack. It is with this focus that you can break through limitations.
Nick Vujicic, a pastor from Australia, is less than 100 cm tall. He is a speaker and founded the organization "Life Without Limbs" for the disabled. Born without arms and legs, his life began with limitations. His parents were shocked, and he was bullied at school. He fell into deep depression and even considered suicide. He prayed to God to grow arms and legs, but instead, God told him that even without limbs, he could do even greater things. Nick said, “I have no arms, no legs, and no limits.”
This is how God either heals us of our illnesses or gives us meaning through them.
"But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
In God’s design, limitations bring coexistence, uniqueness, eternity, and creativity. Plant faith in your limitations. Limitations accompanied by faith don’t bind our existence—they explode our potential.
"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" (John 8:31-32)
"Abiding" involves limitation. Jesus said that only by abiding can we become His disciples. Truth makes us uncomfortable. The way of the cross seems limiting. It feels restrictive, as though it hampers our freedom. But this limitation is what liberates us. Just as a kite flies higher when tethered to its string, we gain true freedom by staying connected to Jesus.
When Elisha and his servant were surrounded by the Aramean army in Dothan, the servant was terrified, thinking they were trapped. But Elisha calmly prayed for his servant’s eyes to be opened, and he saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire.
Faith is the ability to re-interpret and recycle limitations. Faith comes by hearing the Word, but we must allow the Word to interpret our circumstances.
"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." (Romans 10:17)
Praise God in all circumstances. Paul and Silas praised God in prison, and the prison doors were opened. The gospel was preached even to the jailers. Daniel was an elite young man taken captive to Babylon, where he became a high-ranking official for God’s glory. When his rivals plotted against him, he was thrown into the lions’ den. Yet Daniel continued praying three times a day, giving thanks to God, even in the face of limitations.
Helen Keller, the blind and deaf educator, once said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”
Today, what is limiting your situation, your abilities, your dreams, or your relationship with God? Don’t avoid these limitations—seek God’s promises within them. Pray for the faith to re-interpret your situation. Pray for your spiritual eyes to be opened as your physical eyes close. Don’t blame your circumstances but discover God’s infinite possibilities and creativity within them. Reach beyond your limitations.
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