VICTORIOUS OVER LIMITATIONS

This salutation by my own hand” Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen. (Colossians 4:18 NKJV)

At the close of his dictation, Paul took the stylus from the hand of his amanuensis, and appended his signature to the letter, which was awaiting that necessary endorsement. As he did so, he contrasted his irregular and clumsy writing with the flowing hand of his scribe, and in excuse, said pathetically, "Remember my bonds!" It was as though he said, "You cannot expect a man who for three years has had his wrist fettered by an iron chain to write as well as when he was a student at Gamaliel's feet!" He makes reference to the same subject in Galatians 6:11, where he speaks of the "large letters" which he had written with his own hand; but in this case it was caused by his failing eyesight rather than the iron fetter.

There are bonds other than iron chains which impose on us their restraints and limitations. Many of us, as we review our work at the close of the day, are overwhelmed with the sense of failure. As we kneel before our Lord, we are constrained to say, "Alas, we have inscribed your Name on the hearts which lay open to us, as the paper under the pen of the Apostle Paul, in a very clumsy and unworthy style. Forgive us, and remember our bonds."

Let’s accept our limitations as from the will of God. There is no way to peace or power, save in accepting the will of God, making no distinction between what He appoints or permits, but believing that in either we are in contact with the eternal purpose for us. Paul never forgot that he was the prisoner of Jesus Christ. He believed that for every limitation on the earthward side there would be enlargement on the other and spiritual side. Weakness here, added strength there; the being hourly delivered unto the cross, and from the ground the blossoming of endless life.

Let’s do all the good we can in spite of restraints and limitations. Paul could not continue his travels over the world, but there were many avenues of service open to him. He could pray, and he did (Colossians 1:3; Colossians 2:1; Colossians 4:12). He could influence others (Philippians 1:11-14). He employed his leisure in writing the epistles that have been the perennial solace of sorrowful hearts. There is a door, nearer to you than you think, opening out of your prison, through which God will enable you to render helpful service for Him.

PRAYER

Our Father, we thank You that You can make no mistakes. We believe that all things are working together for our good, and we trust Your guiding hand. I pray this in Jesus’ name, AMEN.