Stop Putting God in a Box! He Hates It!
Stop Putting God in a Box! He Hates It!
One of the things God has hated since the time of the Israelites is that we limit Him. And He REALLY hates it. Psalm 78:41 says, “Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.” Can you imagine? The Almighty God—who spoke the universe into existence—was limited by a bunch of people wandering in the desert! How? Through doubt, disobedience, fear, and small thinking.
And here we are today, thousands of years later, doing the same thing. We treat God like He’s a struggling small business owner instead of the CEO of the universe. We pray small, believe small, and then get shocked when we receive small. Meanwhile, God is in heaven saying, “I had SO much more for you, but you settled for crumbs!”
How Do We Stop Limiting God?
Glad you asked! It requires a lifestyle change, and here’s how we do it:
- Think BIG—God is NOT on a Budget
We limit God when we think small. “Lord, just help me pay my rent this month.” Really? That’s the best you can do? Why not ask Him to make you debt-free and bless you enough to help others? God doesn’t have a cash flow problem. He’s not in heaven rationing blessings like, “Oops, you asked for too much! We’re in a recession up here!”
Solution: Start asking BIG, believing BIG, and expecting BIG. Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God does exceedingly, abundantly above all we ask or think. Stop thinking like a grasshopper when you serve a God who moves mountains!
- Stop Being a Control Freak—God is Wiser Than You
Some of us have project management issues. We hand things over to God in prayer, but ten minutes later, we take them back. “Lord, I trust You with my future,” and then two seconds later, “Let me just tweak it a little…” If you keep hijacking God’s plans, don’t be surprised when you end up in a wilderness—just like the Israelites!
Solution: Surrender fully. Proverbs 3:5-6 says to trust in the Lord with ALL your heart. Not half. Not 60%. ALL. You either let God drive or you keep crashing—your choice.
- Walk in Obedience—Stop Tripping Over Disobedience
Disobedience is another way we limit God. We expect full-time blessings while giving God part-time obedience. Imagine if God only showed up for you the way you show up for Him? If your prayer life is like Wi-Fi—only strong in emergencies—you’re limiting what God can do.
Solution: Do what He says! James 1:22 says, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” God isn’t impressed by how many sermons you listen to—He’s waiting for you to obey ONE.
- Pray Like You Mean It—No Weak Prayers Allowed
Many of us pray like we’re submitting requests to an overworked customer service department: “Lord, if it’s not too much trouble, and if You’re not busy, and if You’re in a good mood…” Meanwhile, the Bible says in Hebrews 4:16 to approach God’s throne with boldness! Pray like a child talking to a Father, not like a beggar hoping for a tip.
Solution: Pray with confidence. Stop limiting God with weak, doubtful prayers. He’s not offended by bold faith—He loves it!
Conclusion: Live a No-Limits Life
The Israelites missed out on so much because they kept doubting, complaining, and limiting God. Don’t make the same mistake. Think BIG, trust FULLY, obey COMPLETELY, and pray BOLDLY. God wants to blow your mind with His goodness—just stop getting in His way!
