Putting Limitations on God

The following comments were made after the many miracles that Jesus performed.

“At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill? Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Messiah? But we know where this man is from; when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.” John 7:25-27

“Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” John 10:22-25

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Matthew 16:13-15 (emphasis added)

Who do you say He is?

Part of the reason some of us can not develop a deeper relationship with the Lord is because we do not understand who He is or acknowledge His power.

“By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.” Acts 3:16

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

I do not know of anyone who has or will have a presence like this. You may tremble when your boss comes in or when a group of people from Headquarters comes down but I guarantee that a knee in Heaven, Earth nor Hell will bow at their name.

One of my favorite miracles that Jesus performed was healing the woman with the issue of blood (Matthew 9:20-22). This is the only miracle that I can recall where someone initiated their own blessing without the acknowledgement of Jesus. To clarify: she did not come to Jesus asking for healing, he did not sense a demon and drove it out, nor did he heal her as an example to the crowd.

This person recognized who Jesus was and acknowledged his healing power. She did not try to touch his face or any other body part. She went for the hem of his garment. Also, note the level of her faith compared with the level of her actions.

Huge faith + small action= miraculous results

As a believer in Christ I would like you to consider a few questions.

• Do you believe in the miracles and blessings that took place in Biblical times?

It is important that you do. In both the Old and New Testament display of grace, mercy, blessings, miracles, and protection when being obedient are the tools that you need for today. Seeing what God did back then lets you know what He is capable of right now. If anything now days it’s easier for God to work miracles. Tax money was in a fish now He sends blessings through the mail. Back then you waited by a fountain for the waters to move for healing. Now you can ask for healing where ever you are.

• Do you believe that miracles and blessings are happening today?

If you do not then you are limiting God to the past. Keep in mind where ever there is Satan’s destruction there is always God’s grace. When the levees broke not everyone perished. When the earthquake hit Haiti, not everyone was buried. You are living pay check to pay check but some how all your bills are paid and your account is not overdrawn.

• When you hear a testimony what do you think? How do you feel? If you choose not to believe, are you not believing the person or the power?

“Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:22-27

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:24-30

By being a believer and accepting Christ you recognize and acknowledge His power. If you do not believe He is capable of great things why do you pray to Him? If you limit Him and what He can do is he really who you believe He is?

The problem is not can or will He do it? It is why you do not believe He can?