Introduction: Do We Limit God?

We serve a God who is limitless, all-powerful, and able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). And yet—if we’re honest—we often shrink Him down to fit inside the confines of our own understanding.

We say we believe that God can do the impossible, but when we face a situation that seems beyond repair, we often act as if His power has limits. We pray small prayers, set low expectations, and assume that God will work only in ways that make sense to us.

But the Bible makes it clear: God is not bound by human logic, resources, or ability. He is the God of the impossible.

“With Man This is Impossible, But…”

One of the clearest declarations of God’s unlimited power comes from Jesus Himself. When His disciples were baffled about who could be saved, Jesus responded:

Jesus wasn’t just talking about salvation—He was establishing a principle that applies to every aspect of life. What seems impossible for us is fully possible for God.

Examples of God’s Limitless Power

Throughout scripture, we see story after story of God shattering human expectations and proving that nothing is impossible for Him.

1. Abraham and Sarah: A Child in Old Age
   “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” – Genesis 18:14 (NIV)
   Sarah laughed when she heard that she would bear a son in her old age, but God kept His promise, and Isaac was born.
2. The Parting of the Red Sea
   When the Israelites were trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea, it looked like their story was over. But God made a way where there was no way (Exodus 14:21-22).
3. The Virgin Birth
   Mary asked how she could possibly conceive a child as a virgin, and the angel replied:
   “For nothing will be impossible with God.” – Luke 1:37 (ESV)
4. Jesus Raising Lazarus
   Lazarus had been dead for four days—there was no hope in human terms. Yet Jesus declared:
   “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” – John 11:40 (NIV)
   Moments later, Lazarus walked out of the tomb.

These stories aren’t just ancient miracles; they are proof that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

I’ve experienced miracles in my own life, although not on such a grand scale. To begin with, the fact that I am here, writing encouraging words to others based on my own faith journey is something that would have shocked me if you’d told me in my twenties that I’d be doing this. I had been wallowing in the muck of my own self-sufficiency for the better part of the first half of my life, but thank God that He chipped away at that hardened path and rocky ground, finally turning my heart into fertile soil, ready to receive and live into the grace and salvation He offered me. I’m so grateful that He didn’t give up on me and toss me away like the useless branch I had been.

There have been so many other examples for me as well, times in my life when God found a way when I was beginning to doubt there was a way forward. He has blessed my marriage, carried us through many challenging times. Also, we struggled to get pregnant when we first started trying to have children, but He blessed us with three children we deeply love. Throughout my career, when I’ve reached dead ends, God has shown me paths I couldn’t see or imagine, all of which were better than the solutions I had been struggling to achieve.

How Do We “Box God In”?

Yet, even though we know these Biblical stories and have examples of our own, we still tend to limit God in our lives. We do this in different ways:

✅ Through our expectations – We assume God will work in a way that fits our limited understanding.
✅ Through our fear – We hesitate to trust Him when things seem uncertain.
✅ Through our prayers – We pray for what seems reasonable instead of asking for what seems impossible.
✅ Through our doubt – We believe in God’s power in theory, but struggle to believe He’ll actually show up in our situation.

But Isaiah 55:8 reminds us:

God is not limited by what we think is possible!

Let God Out of the Box

So how do we stop putting limits on God?

C.S. Lewis put it this way:

Sometimes, we pray with a limited view of God, asking for things we think are possible rather than trusting Him for what seems impossible. But God’s power isn’t cheap or constrained by our imagination. What if we started praying bigger, bolder prayers, trusting that God’s will is greater than what we can see?

Here are some thoughts about practical steps we can take to release God from the boxes we have put Him in:

1. Pray Bigger Prayers.
   Instead of asking God for what’s “reasonable,” ask Him for what seems impossible. He delights in showing His power.
2. Surrender Control.
   When we let go of the need to understand or dictate how God should move, we give Him room to work.
3. Expect the Unexpected.
   Trust that God will provide solutions in ways you never imagined.
4. Stand on His Promises.
   When doubt creeps in, remember that God has been faithful before, and He will be faithful again.
5. Take a Step of Faith.
   Sometimes, God is waiting for us to move before He reveals His power (like Peter stepping out of the boat in Matthew 14:29).

Conclusion: Break the Limits

God doesn’t belong in a box. He is bigger than our fears, greater than our limitations, and more powerful than anything we can comprehend.

So, what impossible situation are you facing today? What dream feels out of reach? What burden seems too heavy?

Let this be your reminder: God is not bound by what you can see or even imagine. He specializes in impossible.

Here’s my challenge to you this week: Trust Him. Believe bigger. Pray outrageous prayers. Let God out of the box you’ve created for Him.

What miracles have you experienced in your own life? Was there a time when God burst out of the box you created for Him, when He exceeded even your wildest hopes or expectations? I’d love to hear your story! Share in the comments below how you’ve experienced God’s limitless power.