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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 ofour 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)Environmental constraints: The snake in the cage2)Mental constraints: The paradigm of rose colored glasses3)

Emotional constraints: Fear vs. Courage

4)Social constraints: Opinions/Peer Pressure5)Cultural constraints: Taboos and Legalism6)Personal constraints: Ego/Sin7)Spiritual constraints: Faith/Potential8)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)

7/30/2019 Dealing with Personal Constraints.docx

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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 AthleticAttention:

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 JesusChrist:

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)

IV. 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)

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!