Chains & Kite Strings: When God Gives Us Limitations

 The Scriptures are clear that we are not to be in bondage to sin or to the Law but what we sometimes miss in our Christian lives is that there are some “bonds” that are bestowed upon us by God Himself.

We are reminded of the Apostle Paul who was imprisoned by Rome and yet he can say that he was not a prisoner of Rome but a “prisoner of Jesus Christ” (Philemon 1:9). He makes it clear that he is right where God wants him to be and that God is using the “chain” to further the Gospel, encourage the brethren  and bring glory to His name. In fact, Paul wrote 4 of his New Testament Epistles from that Roman imprisonment. Much fruit came from it.

“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” Philippians 1:12-14

We think of breaking the chains of bondage to sin and the Law – and that is a wonderful thing indeed! But we also must keep in mind that some of the limitations in are life are not chains of bondage but actually what John Newton ( former slave trader and author of Amazing Grace) referred to as “kite strings”  in his poem of the late 1700’s below.

Let us consider whether some of the limitations in our life have been placed there by no less than God and that there is purpose in them. Let us learn to be content with God’s will and to “take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10

  

The Kite

by John Newton

Once upon a time a paper kite mounted to a wondrous height,

Where, giddy with its elevation, it thus expressed self admiration:

“See how yon crowds of gazing people admire my flight above the steeple;

How they would wonder if they knew all that a kite like me could do!

Were I but free, I’d take a flight and pierce the clouds beyond their sight;

But, ah, like a poor prisoner bound, my string confines me to the ground.

I’d brave the eagle’s towering wing might I but fly without a string.”

It tugged and pulled, while thus it spoke, to snap the string.

At last it broke.

Deprived at once of all its stay, in vain it tried to soar away.

Unable its own weight to bear, it fluttered downward through the air.

Unable its own course to guide, the winds soon plunged it in the tide.

Ah, foolish kite, thou hadst no wing, how couldst thou fly without a string?

Oh, Lord, I see how much this kite resembles me!

Forgetful that by Thee I stand, impatient of Thy ruling hand;

How oft I’ve wished to break the lines Thy wisdom for my lot assigns.

How oft indulged a vain desire for something more, or something higher.

But for Thy grace and love divine ,a fall thus dreadful had been mine!