“I must work . . while it is day.” John 9:4 NKJV

Success results from learning to allocate what you have, to accomplish what you must.

My thoughts and comments today are about “exploring margins.”

“Margin” is defined as “a limit in condition or capacity.” Life, as you know it now, has limits. In eternity that will not be true, but for now it is. The Bible refers to such limits as “boundaries” or “measure.” David, the Psalmist, rejoiced, “Lord, You have assigned me my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” Psalm 16:5-6 NIV. He found sufficiency and safety in God’s providence. You will as well. In the New Testament, Paul wrote similarly, “We will not boast beyond [our] measure, but within the sphere which God appointed us . .” 2 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV. Paul found confidence and certainty in God’s assignment. Conviction of truth breeds confidence.

You have a measure of years that only God knows, a measure of strength, resources, energy, endurance, and number of friendships, among other things – but unimagined possibilities within those. This reality we have in common, though there are differing measures unique to individuals. By effort and discipline, you might expand your boundaries to some extent, but you cannot remove limits altogether. But know this; life is not about what you don’t have or can’t do. Life is about what you learn to do within the margins you are given. How wisely you live and how hard you work determines your achievement.

Failing to plan is planning to fail. Life requires a plan. Many people do not realize that simple reality until they have too little of life left. Some never do. Limits are somewhat fixed, but what you do within those is discretionary. Explore your margins to the full capacity; accept no artificial limits. Decide what you will do with your life and what has been given you. “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like ignorant people, but like wise people. Make good use of every opportunity you have, because these are evil days. Don’t be fools, then, but try to find out what the Lord wants you to do.” Ephesians 5:15-17 TEV.

Success results from learning to allocate what you have, to accomplish what you must. Jesus understood the primacy of doing the will of God and ordered His life within the boundaries of that. “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is yet day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” John 9:4-5 NKJV. Even Jesus recognized limits and used His time and opportunities to serve the Father’s eternal purposes. As long as you have life, you can be a light in the world. See Philippians 2:15-18 NKJV.

In God’s will, you find God’s plan for your life and the fullest experience of success and satisfaction. I particularly love the promise God spoke through Jeremiah, “’For I know the plans that I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good . . to give you a future and a hope.’” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT. A future without hope is discouraging; hope without a future in which to achieve it would be disheartening. God offers you both “a future and a hope!” Your future rests in what you do within each day.

My prayer for you today is that you use wisely what you have been given generously.