There is More

“Baby girl, open up your mind, don’t close it up.”

Some lessons from childhood follow you through life. In light of Mother’s Day, I thought I would take a moment to share a little wisdom from my mom. The phrase above is one of the many lessons my mom is still teaching me.

In my youth, I limited myself a lot. It began internally and inevitably manifested externally in my choices. Anytime I drifted into analysis paralysis, my mom would say things like, “open up your mind, don’t close it up” or “a penny for your thoughts.” 

Here’s the thing about my mom, she has always understood that there was more. I just needed to open my mind to the limitless possibilities. For instance, for years, my identity was wrapped in my ability to perform well academically. I COMPLETELY discounted my other gifts and talents. Instead of focusing on one skill over the other, my mom encouraged me to pursue it all. 

As I grew in my relationship with the Lord, He began teaching me the same concept. Can you believe it? He wanted me to open my mind too and I have a sneaking suspicion He wants you to open yours. 

We do not serve a limited God. Therefore, we should never have a limited mindset. 

How do we open our minds? 

1. We must press into faith. 

For some, I know faith is a tricky subject. I get it. Many of us have experienced some things that have made us a bit cautious in our faith. Things that have caused us to play it safe in life. We have loved and lost, tried and failed, hoped and been disappointed. [Feel free to Insert your favorite horror story here. The one that echos in your mind every time you try to believe God for more.] Now it’s time for the truth. 

Friend, it’s time to start believing again. What good is a believer who does not believe?

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

Hebrews 11:1 NLT

Faith is being confident in what our senses do not YET perceive. As human beings, we have a tendency to put God in a box like He is a finite human being, but faith breaks that box. Faith blows open doors that were once closed. It says, “Despite my circumstance, God I trust you. You are welcome to move on my behalf.”

Our faith changes situations. 

The Bible shows us the impact of faith. 

Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.

Hebrews 11:2 NLT

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 NLT

2. We become confident in God’s ability. 

After we muster our faith, God showcases His limitless ability. God is not like man. He is not bound by our limitations. He has all power and authority. 

I am the LORD, the God of ALL mankind. Is anything too hard for me?

Jeremiah 32:27 NIV

So, that dream you have never uttered aloud…God is able to do that. The business plan that seems impossible…God is able to bless that. The problem you are facing right now…God is able to resolve that. The shame that has held you bound…God is able to erase that. Whatever it is, He is able. He can do it! NOTHING is too hard for Him. Stop limiting yourself and stop limiting Him.

Now all glory to God, who is ABLE, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely MORE than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT

So today, I am coming to you with a simple message, “Open up your mind, don’t close it up.” There is more for you, my friend. There is more.

Big hugs, 

Ayanna