Sometimes we feel like our situation or circumstances limit us. And that can be hard to take. We like to live our lives without limits.

But often the limits are not nearly as limiting as we think they are.

Paul demonstrated this when he came to Rome and was placed under house arrest, with a Roman soldier guarding him. It would have been easy for Paul to cave and think that this would hinder him from accomplishing his goal of sharing Christ with the Romans.

But instead, Paul maintained his focus on his purpose -- glorifying God and sharing Christ. He wore Jesus' heart on his shirtsleeve, and was warm and welcoming to any who came to visit him. And he used the exceptionally powerful weapon that he had at his disposal -- the gospel.

He simply went about his business, and didn't let the imposed limitations disturb him or distract him from his appointed mission.

When we remember that our real purpose in life is to glorify God in all that we do, limitations don't seem so limiting any longer. Paul could glorify God from his rented house in Rome.

When we recall that our job description is always, "Love!" the limitations fall away because we can show the love of Jesus wherever we are.

When we wield the powerful word of God as Paul did -- it's the sword of the Spirit! -- we realize that all we ever need to accomplish our mission is to teach about the Lord Jesus Christ. Wherever we might be, we can do that with boldness and without hindrance.

We become unlimited, just like Paul did, even when serious limits might seem -- to the casual observer -- to be present.

"For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!" (Acts 28:30-31, NIV).

Our Bible reading for Saturday, July 11, is 2 Kings 22:1 - 22:20, Acts 28:17-31 and Proverbs 16:28 - 17:4.

Jesus, help me to move beyond all limitations -- whether self-imposed, or imposed by others -- and continue to share you and your salvation boldly with others.

Header image based on "Fenced In" by Jeff Golden, CC By-SA 2.0