Potential

I've been thinking about potential lately. The dictionary defines it as (adj) Capable of being but not yet in existence; latent (n) Capacity for growth, development, or coming into being. We all have potential in that we all have capacity for growth and development, and that's a good and positive thing, and very biblical, which gives us hope. By realizing we have potential, we can be inspired. Knowing things could be better can motivate us to not settle for negative aspects our of lives that can be brought into alignment with the way God says they shoud be. Praise God that we don't have to settle for the way things are!

However, so many times we think of potential according to the first definition - capable of a way of being, but not in existence yet. And as we apply this definition to ourselves, the enemy quite often turns it into an indictment against our character and abilities. And we begin to think that what we are right now isn't good enough. And what we're doing right now is insignificant. And the possible growth and improvement becomes in our minds something that should be happening, but isn't. Something that could be taking place, but doesn't. We become discontent, unsatisfied with our current circumstances or even worse, feeling inadequate and that there is always a need to improve or better ourselves or do something more valuable, worthwhile or significant.

I don't believe our God wants us to live under that kind of thinking. I think that we women can go there quite readily and frequently. What does the word of God say?

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

God knows what you are capable of. He created you with a purpose in mind and has prepared good things for you to do.

...for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

God is the one who gets you to do them.

And there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12:6

God is the one who empowers you to do what he has prepared for you to do.

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10

It is the grace of God that makes you who you are - and it is NOT in vain. Who you are right now is good, pleasing to him and useful for what he wants you to do.

Take heart! Who we are, what we know, what we are able to do right now is what it's supposed to be. And if it isn't, our God will change it. Let's keep offering ourselves to him and ask him to give us joy in what exists currently.