Beyond My Capacity

From time to time I have to admit to myself, “I am beyond my capacity.” I am beyond my financial capacity to spend any more money. I am beyond my relational capacity to add any more acquaintances. I am beyond my emotional capacity to care for more children. I am beyond my work capacity to add any more projects or people. I am beyond my spiritual capacity to engage in more volunteer activities. My capacity is limited, but my Lord’s capacity is limitless.

Paul seemed to have boundless capacity for God’s work, but his secret was allowing Christ to strengthen him. Because he was a man of prayer, he could discern all things the Lord called him to do. He did not do all things—he only did things his heavenly Father told him to do. Thus, for Paul—adversity became an opportunity to advance the gospel. When chained to a prison guard—he started a prison ministry. Expanded capacity comes to a life empowered by Christ.

“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” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Are you overwhelmed by over capacity? Do you say “yes” to too many things? A good first step is to ask an objective friend to help you evaluate your activities. Since everything is for a season, it may be time to let go of something or someone. Perhaps you rotate off a board, hand off a work project to someone with a different skill set, postpone a trip or wait on starting a part-time job. Everyone suffers when you live beyond your capacity. Flight attendants are right, “Place the oxygen on yourself first—then take care of those around you.” Serve within your capacity.

Most of all, lean into the Lord for His strength and wisdom. The Holy Spirit can expand the spiritual stamina of your soul. He protects us from ourselves and He frees us to be ourselves. Your quieted soul is able to see God’s best and not get caught up in committing to an unfiltered “yes”. Better to speak a remorseless “no” now—than an impulsive “yes” you later regret. Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s best “yes” and gives us Christ’s confidence to say “no”. Thankfully our limitations are the Lord’s opportunities to accomplish more than we can. Grace grows capacity.

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being” (Ephesians 3:16).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I receive Your grace to grow my capacity to carry out Your will.

Related Readings: Colossians 1:11; 1 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:17; 2 Peter 3:18

Post/Tweet this today: The Holy Spirit protects us from ourselves and frees us to be ourselves. #beyondcapacity #wisdomhunters

Additional Resource: 4 minute music video- Gaither’s: One Day At a Time

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© 2015 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.