Published: 2013
My rating: 4 of 5 stars.

Reconsidering Our Limits

The story of Nick Vujicic’s life as detailed in “Limitless: Devotions for a Ridiculously Good Life” is humbling. Born without arms or legs, Nick has learned to adapt to life without limbs and has accomplished more than most people believe they are ever capable of doing. He gives an honest account of the challenges he and his family have wrestled with since his birth and shares how learning to forge a deeper relationship with God has led to joy and a fruitful ministry.

Nick says the title “refers not to my abilities or your abilities but to God’s limitless love and power.” He does an effective job of keeping God’s power as the central theme of the book; it would be easy for the exceptionality of his situation and personality to overpower the message that God has been his source of strength. Nick clearly gives God the glory for the work He is doing. At the same time, Nick challenges the reader to consider what self imposed limits we put on ourselves. As I read the book, I was forced to consider whether or not I am properly stewarding the gifts and talents God has given me.

“Limitless” is considered a devotional book; however, I would recommend reading it as an inspirational book. Nick clearly shares how his faith and his challenges are integrated, yet the readings do not take the reader back to Scripture. Each reading opens with a Scripture passage, yet the readings do not interact with or examine the passages. The layout of the book does not undermine the poignancy of the message, therefore I recommend reading the book as a casual or inspirational read.

I recommend this book for anyone who wants to be challenged about his or her own effectiveness. Nick demonstrates that a life surrendered to God will be fruitful. The limits we place on our life are missed opportunities for the power of God to be displayed in us: when we are weak, He is strong. Nick shows that we are all in the same situation- we are completely dependent on a loving and powerful God to provide us with meaning and an abundant life.

Nick’s joy is evident in his stories. He shares a variety of funny, interesting, and candid vignettes about his experiences. He is clear that his challenges are real and that he would love to experience a miracle, yet at no point does he invite pity. Nick’s message is clear: he challenges his readers to trust God with our self imposed limits. “When people read about my life or witness me living it, they are prone to congratulate me for being victorious over my disabilities. I tell them that my victory came in surrender. It comes every day when I acknowledge that I can’t do this on my own, so I say to God, ‘I give it to You!’ Once I yielded, the Lord took my pain and turned it into something good, which brought me real joy.”

I received this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for review