No Limits

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Hebrews 12:1b

The movie Beauty and the Beast opens with a young girl, Belle, meandering through the cobblestone streets of a small French village. Oblivious to her surroundings, she pores over a book. As she passes, the townspeople marvel at Belle’s strange ways. “She is different from the rest of us,” they surmise. “What is wrong with her?”

Belle’s unwelcome suitor, Gaston, attempts to persuade her to marry him. He also informs her that, “It’s not right for a woman to read. She starts to get ideas.” Even Belle’s well-meaning father wonders if she might find happiness settling down with Gaston.

But Belle has other ideas for her future. She muses as she takes in the picturesque view of the open countryside. Twirling about in song, Belle’s innermost desire bursts from her lips.  “I want so much more than they’ve got planned!”

Belle was determined to break out of the limitations others placed on her. Jesus also brushed shoulders with those trying to limit Him.

The religious leaders of His day looked with disdain as He healed on the Sabbath and ate with tax collectors and sinners. The Jewish people attempted to make Him their king at one point and wanted to stone Him the next. Even his family thought He was crazy for a time. Jesus knew His Father’s plan for His life and stayed focused on the goal in spite of other’s opinions.

In Hebrews 12:1 we are encouraged to push past limitations. Trying to live the life others believe we should live is like trying to run a race with heavy weights and ropes confining us. 

By reading books, Belle found that a big, wide, wonderful world existed beyond her community. As I read The Great Book, I am convinced God has uniquely designed experiences in store for each one of us.

Lord, help me to live according to Your purposes alone.

Terri