accepting limitations

[honeydumplin]

Recovery Devotional Bible
p. 1056
Matthew 14:17-21

Accepting our Limitations

Sometimes after we read the newspaper or watch the news, we feel
painfully aware of the enormity of the world's problems and the hope-
lessly inadequate resources to solve them. In our own recovery we often
experience similar feelings. Our problems seem enormous, and our
personal resources incredibly limited--as useless as a couple of loaves
and fishes before a crowd of thousands. Part of us wants to believe
that our own willpower and ingenuity will be enough to solve our problems.
But the truth is, we will need much more extensive resources than our own
to make any progress in recovery.

Fortunately, God has a long and consistent history of working with people
who have limited means. Rather than spend time with those who think they
can get along without him, God chooses to invite limited people like our-
selves to take part in his kingdom.

When we see how few loaves and fishes we have, we conclude that our
need for nourishment will not be met--and we will certainly have nothing
left over to share. But our hopelessly limited resources somehow turn into
abundance when we offer them to God. Not only will he meet our needs,
but he will give us enough to share. Each day, one day at a time, God
accepts our limited resources and surprises us with what can be done.

--Dale and Juanita Ryan

Prayer:
Show me what you can do with me today, Lord, in spite of my limitations.