Perhaps like many people, you have witnessed the photos from the Artemis II mission. In a word – breathtaking, right? I found these images to be such an awesome example of the limitless power of God.

If we take a moment to ponder what we’ve witnessed, it baffles the mind. The earth, sun, moon, stars, and the entire universe are all being held in place by God’s Word (Hebrews 1:3). Yet, His power is not limited just to the heavens but it is available to His children.

God’s Promise of “Exceedingly Abundant” Living
I have a card on my refrigerator that says, “Don’t Limit God” (Psalm 78:41). At first glance, you might think, “How can us mere mortals limit God? I mean, He’s God!” But during my quiet time the other day, God showed me how this can sometimes be true.

Ephesians 3:20 tells us that God wants to exceedingly, abundantly provide all we can ask or think. That’s a pretty powerful promise, isn’t it? Who wouldn’t want some “exceedingly abundant” things in their lives? Count me in!

Yet what if we aren’t experiencing this? What if our lives feel more like scarcely, meagerly, or barely getting by? Something must be wrong, yes? God’s Word is absolute truth, so if we do not have what He says, something is out of alignment.

(Spoiler alert: It’s not God!)

5 Ways We May Be Limiting God’s Power In Our Lives:
Here’s what I’m learning: There are things we may be doing (or not doing) that can limit God’s blessings for us. Remember, we are partners with God. He doesn’t do everything for us. We have a part. So what might be getting in the way?

1. Not Knowing God’s Word and Promises
We can’t stand on promises we don’t know about. When God’s Word isn’t planted in our hearts, we miss out on what He’s already provided (Colossians 3:16). To know God and His promises, we must know His Word.
 
2. Doubt and Unbelief in God’s Truth
When we doubt God’s promises, we block ourselves from receiving them. Faith is required to access what God has already made available (James 1:6-7). We may know God’s Word but we struggle to believe His promises are for us. 

3. Holding Onto Unforgiveness
Unforgiveness creates a barrier in our relationship with God. He calls us to forgive as we have been forgiven (Mark 11:25-26). Jesus gave us one commandment: Love one another. When we walk in love, we are doing exactly what Jesus told us to.

4. Lack of Gratitude and Thankfulness
Gratitude positions our hearts for peace and provision. When we focus on what we lack instead of what God has done, we miss His ongoing work (Philippians 4:6-7). The Israelites whined and complained despite God parting the Red Sea and providing food for them. Everything we have comes from God (James 1:17), so we should be grateful in everything.

5. Not Asking God in Faith
Sometimes the reason we are not experiencing all God has planned for us is simple. We haven’t asked. God invites us to bring our desires to Him (James 4:2). I always say, “If you don’t ask, the answer is ‘no.’

Is It God… or Is It Us? A Heart Check
God can and wants to do amazing things for His children. But if we don’t believe who He says He is, if we doubt His Word, or if we live contrary to His truth, we limit what He can do in our lives.

This is powerful and maybe a little uncomfortable. When things feel broken, it’s tempting to blame God. But God is good, and He loves us deeply. If something is off, we need to be willing to look inward.

(Ouch—but it’s likely true.)

Nothing Is Impossible With God
If you are not living the “exceedingly abundantly” life that God promises, take time to reflect on these five areas. Pray about them. Ask God to reveal anything that may be holding you back. And if He shows you something, don’t be discouraged. Ask Him to help you grow in that area.

It might seem difficult, but we know this truth: with God, nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37).He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and always working on our behalf. 

God has so much in store for you! Don’t believe it? Just look up into the heavens and see His limitless power on display (Genesis 1:1-2).