Anthony A.M.

Pearson, MA, MEd, LPC-I, LMFT-A, NCC, CSC, DD Winds of Change2010

Dealing with Personal Constraints

Hebrews 12: 1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. (ESV)

Intro: Famous words by philosopher Harry Callahan, Every mans got to know his limitations! Too often we focus on extremes in our understanding/view of our limitations, the things that constraint us in our struggle to walk this pathway God set before us called life. In our journey we face constraints, things that limit our performance. These include: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) Environmental constraints: The snake in the cage Mental constraints: The paradigm of rose colored glasses Emotional constraints: Fear vs. Courage Social constraints: Opinions/Peer Pressure Cultural constraints: Taboos and Legalism Personal constraints: Ego/Sin Spiritual constraints: Faith/Potential Corporate constraints: Cooperation/Teamwork/Vision/Israel

WHY MUST I DEAL WITH MY CONSTRAINTS? I. Because God Has a Plan for My Life: "I know the plans I have for you," announces the Lord. "I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIRV)

Anthony A.M. Pearson, MA, MEd, LPC-I, LMFT-A, NCC, CSC, DD Winds of Change2010

II.

Because My Best is Required with Endurance Demanding Athletic Attention: lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12: 1 ESV

HOW DO I DEAL WITH MY CONSTRAINTS? III. I Must Focus My Attention on the Example & Achievement of Jesus Christ: looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12: 2 (ESV) To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2: 21-23 (NIV) I Must Live Life in the Experience of Resurrection Power in My Life: I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people. 19 I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 1: 18-20 (NLT)

IV.

CONCLUSION: I know the plans I have for you, announces the Lord. I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIRV). It MAY NOT BE YOUR PLAN BUT ITS THE BEST PLAN!