Ain’t No Way!

We’ve all been there when we think there just ain’t no way. Sometimes we limit our opportunities because of the barriers and obstacles that stand in the way. Sometimes we even doubt ourselves or our ability to accomplish a goal and objective. Sometimes the price seems too high to pay. Yet, the Bible tells us that there is always a way and we can expect more than we can ever ask, think, or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20)

I’m intrigued by the fact that scripture seems to always point to what is beyond our human capacity. The Bible speaks of optimism and all things positive. We read in scripture that all things are possible through Christ who gives us strength. (Philippians 4:13)

Why is it that we set limits when the Bible says that it is indeed possible?

Perhaps it’s fear. Fear of the unknown or fear of failure that keeps us trapped. Maybe it’s fear of success as well. What if it does succeed after all? We then wonder, what’s next? We ask what will it cost me?

Typically people stop short when God is limitless. We’ve heard the phrase that the sky is the limit but often we set the cap a lot lower than it should be.

The sky is the limit!

In 2 Kings 13 we find that the king came to the prophet complaining and looking for a miracle. The prophet could have made it possible but he put the control of the outcome in the hands of a king. The armies had surrounded gods people in the king needed an answer from God.

The prophet Elisha simply put the answer to the dilemma in the hands of a mere mortal. Often God chooses us, simple human beans to do the extraordinary so that God receives glory. I’m always amazed by the story because it simply illustrates God‘s capacity through human hands.

Elisha simply told the king to shoot the arrow but he did not tell him how many times. He let the king decide that one on his own. Certainly the king should’ve known that to defeat an army he needed to shoot more than what he actually did.

When the king finally realized that he did not shoot with maximum impact, he withdrew from the goal and lost the fight. Prophet gave him every opportunity to succeed but when he shrunk back from the goal, he limited himself.

Sometimes we set limits that God never intended. Whatever the motivation, hopefully God can further develop and help us to see his willingness to grow our faith independence on him, after all, it’s for His glory.

The next time you feel challenged to take a bold step of faith for the Lord, listen to the instruction that is given to the king and apply to your own life. Verse 17 reads, “Elisha proclaimed, ‘This is the LORD’s arrow, an arrow of victory over Aram, for you will completely conquer the Arameans at Aphek.’” The instructions were clear that this was an arrow of victory over the enemy but the king fell short.