Self-limiting

<<restrictive attitude of mind>>

Demeaning us by suggesting that we are incapable is one of Satan’s key tactics to sabotage our potential. He just sows the thought and our minds can easily produce a harvest of reasons why we can’t possibly undertake what God wants of us, even though we are more than able to. Satan whispers to us, ‘you are not worthy, you are a failure…’

Satan wants us to talk ourselves out of God's plan

which is true until we factor in our identity of who we are in Christ – “We have been made “accepted in the beloved” more than able to do what He wants (Eph 1:6; Phil 4:13).

Ten of the twelve men who spied out the Promised Land looked at things with the negative perspective of the natural mind – they saw their seeming inadequacies and failed to factor in the Lord and, because they lacked faith, saw themselves as already defeated. These ten, along with all the Israelites who shared their ‘We can’t’ attitude, wandered around until they died in the desert without entering their God-designed inheritance. This was in contrast to the two spies who saw and experienced the same events, yet from God’s viewpoint, and in faith they declared, “We are well able to…” (Num 13:30). One of these was Joshua, who led the people into the Promised Land; the other was Caleb who, as an older man, was still taking possession of more territory (Josh 14:6-14).

What we think and declare has a major impact on our future. Our attitudes and self-talk affect us profoundly, with our thoughts empowering what we focus on. Thus, we should centre our attention on God not our circumstances or problems for “Greater is He [Holy Spirit] who is in me than he [Satan] that is in the world” (1 Jn 4:4). Don’t focus on yourself or defeat as you will talk yourself out of victory. Who are we to say we can’t when God says we can, and gives the Holy Spirit to help us.

Speech is a powerful tool – “The tongue has the power of life and death” – and should be used positively (Prov 18:21). Seeing with the ‘eyes of faith’ what is possible with Christ and making a strong confession is empowering; recognizing that, by myself I can’t, but by the Holy Spirit’s enabling I can (Zech 4:6; Jn 5:30, 15:5; Phil 4:13). Believing in yourself and co-operating with God inspires hope for the future and what the Lord has for you to accomplish. With a change of mindset, having our thinking patterns, and beliefs transformed by the truth of God’s Word, “According to your faith be it unto you...All things are possible to him who believes” (Mt 9:29; Mk 9:23; Jn 17:17; Rom 12:2).

In false humility we may ask, ‘who am I?’ Yet the sovereign God has chosen me, to be a recipient of salvation and desires to manifest His glory through me, so in humbleness and praise, submit yourself as a tool for the Master’s use (Jn 2:5). Be like the mother of Jesus, who, although she did not understand how it would be possible, said “Be it to me as you have said” (Lk 1:38).

God is continuously challenging and stretching us so we will be more effective in His service; however when we discredit our self we limit the power of God, our self-esteem suffers and Satan gains a victory. In many areas, it is a matter of learning (even from our mistakes), besides growing in ability and faith by stepping outside the comfort zone of past achievements. Don’t let the devil, whose goal is

Attempt great things for God – Mark 10:27

to steal, kill and destroy cheat you out the inheritance that Jesus died to provide for you and the authority He has vested in us to be effective in our divine given calling (Mt 18:18; Mk 16:15,16; Jn 10:10).