Potential

<<possible outcome, latent ability>>

We are God’s children, and it’s not yet revealed what we shall be (1 Jn 3:1-3). However, we can be sure that we will not be disappointed in His plans for us – “For I am confident that God, who has begun a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Jer 29:11; Phil 1:6). Our life on earth is only a preparation for eternity with the future much more glorious than the achievements of the past, so even consider them as waste compared to knowing more of God (Phil 3:7-14). Co-operate with Him to bring this into reality. Look beyond your present situation, dreaming and striving towards becoming all that you are capable of in Christ. Don’t focus on the problems and what is against you, rather see what is for you and use the challenges of life as stepping stones to advance with the opportunity to outwork the fruit of the Spirit and live victoriously. Satan’s aim is to steal, kill and destroy while God’s purpose is to give abundant life (Jn 10:10).

More important than developing our abilities, is the heart attitude of continually make ourselves fully available for “God working in us to do His good pleasure” (Phil 2:13). Do not ‘bury’ your gifts or settle for less than you are capable of; “Stir up the gift that is in

With God I am capable of more

you” and move beyond your comfort zone and invest in His Kingdom (Mt 25:14-30; 2 Tim 1:6). When as believers we stand before Christ to give account of our lives, will we receive rewards for our labours or have regrets because we failed to act? It takes dedication and hard work, obeying the promptings of the Holy Spirit, to move forward in the Christian walk, where He chooses the specific refining process for each life that best suits the ‘raw material’ we make available, as well as the unique, finished result. Although our futures are individually planned for each believer, there will be many similarities as together we “Grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ” (2 Pet 3:18).

We are all capable of greater devotion to, and service for God, and usefulness to humanity. To reach our potential we need motivation, incentives, and encouragement, rising to new challenges and in faith continually pushing beyond our comfort zones in godly endeavours. However, whatever we do should be built on a solid foundation of increasing intimate relationship with Him and godly character.

We need to evaluate our capabilities, being positive but also realistic (Lk 14:31,32). God is able to do more than we ask or imagine, so do not under-estimate His ability to work through a ‘cleansed vessel’, yet understanding the growth principle – how a huge tree does not suddenly appear, instead it increases over time, so a ministry or ability develops with consistent use and application (2 Cor 4:7; Eph 3:20).

There will be challenges to overcome, and although Satan will do his best to keep you from rising up and fulfilling your God-given calling remember “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world” (1 Jn 4:4). When dedicated to God, acknowledging Him in everything we do, He will direct our path – in contrast to the loss of potential blessing when devotion is diverted to idols (Ps 37:3-6; Prov 3:5,6; Hos 9:10).

It is a divine quality to see beyond the present, what we are now, to what we can become in Him, and so the Holy Spirit is continually dealing with areas in our lives that need cleansing. Jesus knew Peter was a timid disciple who would deny knowing Him, yet in a few days would be transformed by the Holy Spirit into a bold witness (Act 1:8). As you plan and prepare for your future, be like Jesus and Paul who

What are the undeveloped areas in my life?

said, “By myself I can do nothing… [yet] I can do all that God wants me to do, with His strength” (Jn 5:30; Phil 4:13). Although we must apply ourselves to the outworking, it comes about by God’s Spirit for we are weak in ourselves (Zech 4:6; 2 Cor 13:4). Am I living up to my potential in Christ? Live as though you will be judged by what your potential is, not what you are presently. Visualize what Jesus and you can achieve together, and then endeavour to fulfill it.

Inherent in each human is the potential for great good, but also great evil, depending on whether it is God or Satan who has been given permission to gain control of the mind and life (2 Pet 2:19). Our daily choices determine who has our allegiance. Everyone you meet either is, or has the potential to become a child of God – the choice is theirs. Perhaps you could play a role in their coming to Christ. Do I consider unsaved people as potential believers who need 'more of Jesus' lived out through me? Do I view people as they currently are or what they can become?