Thinking Inside the Box
We are often challenged to “Think Outside of the Box” when faced with problems or limitations , or even when we want to move to the next level in our business or life, but I would challenge you to “THINK INSIDE THE BOX”.
The “think outside the box” approach says when facing limitations to change your mindset to; What would you do IF you had unlimited resources or What would you do IF you knew you could not fail, – What would you do IF you had this or IF you could do that etc. That sounds good, but this approach often does not produce and instead creates an unrealistic approach and more times than not breeds frustration and continued failure. Why?
Because you don’t have unlimited money, you don’t have a guarantee you won’t fail, you don’t have the latest or greatest whatever. You still have the resources that you have – the same building, the same car, the same abilities, the same whatever. In other words, for now you have what is in your hand no matter how inadequate or limited they may seem. And while it might be liberating to think about life as if you didn’t have limitations or any lack, they’re still there and you have to work with them.
This does not mean you shouldn’t dream or get creative or plan ahead or look for other ways to approach your situation, but your box is never going to expand to the place where you’re thinking outside of it until you learn to live in it. What is in your hand is enough if you will use it and allow God in the equation.
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Philippians 4:11-12 (ESV)
So, here is my suggestion – THINK INSIDE THE BOX! Stop waiting for what you want and work with what you have. How much money do you have? What talents has God given you? What can you do to maximize the resources and abilities you currently have in your family, job, business or church? In other words, what is in your hand?
Moses was facing what looked liked an impossible situation – deliver the Israelites from bondage. He did not think he had what he needed to succeed. God then asked Moses this question, “What is that in your hand?” (Exodus 4:2) Moses then took what he had and began to use it, and when he did God showed up, and what looked impossible became possible. Moses used what he had. Thinking in the box.
Your greatest limitation is God’s greatest opportunity. God never asks you to do something where He has not already provided what you need. Most of us are so focused on what we don’t have that we’re blinded to what we do have. What do you have in your hand? Think inside the box. What God has given you along with what He has put inside of you is all you need to accomplish all that He’s called you to do.
THINK INSIDE THE BOX
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)