If we knew the weight of what we carry.

“Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us” 2 Timothy 1:13, Bearean Standard Bible.

Years ago, God gave me a dream that I was standing and watching a beautiful world-renowned teacher make a documentary about her life and ministry. I stood there in deep admiration, my eyes fixated on learning from this daughter of God. She then turned to her cameraman and said okay, let’s break for lunch! Feeling like this was my moment, I stepped forward and asked, “Can I come with you to lunch? Your ministry has been such a blessing to me over the years.” She responded, “No, I’m sorry, I don’t know you. But when we get back, you can stand by and watch as we finish this documentary.” But I didn’t want to stand by and watch. I wanted to eat lunch with her. Feeling hurt, I ran away. The running felt more like high leaps like a deer. A very hurt deer. Wiping tears as I leaped off into the foggy distance, I realized I was behaving like a child. I said to myself, Girl, go and watch her film her documentary! And I did, and was okay.

When I woke up, I knew this dream was from the Lord and He was about to teach me something that would change everything. God has been helping me see real growth happen as we learn to respect boundaries and set boundaries. When we learn these two things, we are well on our way to being someone of great character and great influence for God’s glory.

A boundary is a line that marks the limit of an area. It’s a no that protects something or someone. The ocean waters have a boundary that God has set in place. The waters do not cross. As daughters of God, we show our real maturity when we respect someone’s no, whether we understand it or not. And we show our real growth when see the value of what God has given us, and protect it with God’s help by setting a boundary. God has entrusted us with a treasure, a gift and calling, a great responsibility, and a knowledge and understanding of Him that is very precious and dear. If we knew the weight of what we carry, our boundaries wouldn’t be so flimsy and weak. We would guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit every day of our lives. We would allow only trusted individuals who have proven overtime they have our best at heart. Those who not only value what we have received from God but help protect and nurture it as well.

In that dream, my sister said no, you cannot eat with me, but you can come and observe while I do what God has called me to do. Some people will tell you no, and you will have to be okay with that. They are not being mean, they are being wise. Your intentions could be very pure, but the truth is, they don’t know you. Respecting and setting boundaries is a sign of real growth and maturity. So let’s get this under our belt, my sisters. God has great things coming our way, and He wants us to learn these valuable lessons. He wants us to grow in our character and make a powerful impact on this earth for His glory. And with His help, we will!

Let’s pray! Father God, thank you for encouraging me today and sharpening me. I’m done with childish responses. I want real growth, Father! Real maturity, and if learning to respect boundaries and set boundaries is the way to see real growth, then, so be it. Teach me how to be okay when you or anyone else tells me, no. Help me learn to say no and not go chasing after anyone who feels hurt by my boundary, but trust they will be okay. I want to be your princess warrior who fully understands the weight of what I carry and guard it with your help. In Jesus’ name, Amen.