Defy Your LimitationsSample

I grew up in a church where the overarching philosophy communicated was that believers must give every problem in their life to God to solve. The church taught us that if we did not see results, we should continue to “wait upon the Lord.”

While there is a profound truth to the fundamental premise that God is the answer to every need in our life, here was the problem: there was never any balanced teaching that emphasized the importance of personal responsibility in the life of a believer.

Over the years, I’ve encountered many Christians who can relate to my experience. They are frustrated with life and – though many won’t admit it – disappointed with God because they aren’t experiencing the abundant life promised in Scripture.

Genesis 4 tells the story of Cain and Abel and the offerings they presented to God. While the Bible doesn’t give us a specific reason, it does tell us that Abel’s sacrifice earned the favor of God while Cain’s did not. Cain was angry with God for rejecting his offering, and God’s response was simple: “Why the sulking? If you do well, won’t you be accepted?”

Like Cain, when things aren’t going our way, we often blame everyone except the person staring back at us in the mirror. We find ourselves in undesirable circumstances but refuse to take the necessary action to change our life.

And, just like God told Cain, we also have a choice. God invites us all into a better reality, and all we must do is choose to act according to His ways. The way God wants us to live is not a secret; He states it plainly in His Word.

The Bible is not just a spiritual book made for entertainment; it is the word of God that we are to follow if we desire to live the life God has for us. It is the blueprint to build a life of purpose and fulfillment He designed for us to live.