Fulfilling Your Potential
Have you ever met someone who had a deep regret? Something left undone in their youth, a path not taken or a desire in their life that they never got to experience? Maybe circumstances were not easy, perhaps there was fear or insecurity in stepping out. Something caused a turning away from the things meant to bring them so much fulfillment and joy. I want to share a little today about fulfilling your potential, about walking in all God has for you in your time on the earth.
2 Peter 1:3 says that we “have all things that pertain to life and godliness.” Within each of us God has placed the potential to fulfill every purpose in our hearts. What is in your heart? What hidden away things reside there, what dreams and hopes are waiting? Are they being fed and nourished or allowed to wither? Often times our lives are so busy we let our focus slip; responsibilities can weigh down our hearts. Many times we are given inspiration and clarity at the beginning of our journey. Then comes the time of patience, trial and testing as we grow, mature and become molded and shaped. No one but God knows how many days, months or years we will walk by faith before seeing it come to full fruition. And no one but Christ can provide the stability and strength we must have to stand through the seasons of life. He IS the anchor to our souls!
Our God given pursuits, dreams and passions are at the very heart of who we are they are the fuel to our faith. The bible has much to say about the condition of the heart. Proverbs 4:23 states “Guard your heart with all diligence for out of springs the issues of life.” Our heart, or spirit, is the proving ground, the determining factor to accomplishing those desires. As we renew our minds by the Word and time in God’s presence those dreams take form, are nurtured and allowed to gain momentum, becoming reality in our hearts. Here are a few things to consider in fulfilling the potential God has placed within you:
Dedicate: When you first began your journey of faith what was birthed in your heart, what desires where placed there? Keeping them alive and growing in your heart will take a commitment of time, prayer and study. Just like a plant needs sunlight, water and dirt to grow, we to must be walking in the Light, watering our lives with the Word and planted in a body of believers. Hebrews 6:12 states, “do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises!” It will take strength to keep those dreams active and alive, growing and developing.
Develop the Dream: Spend time in His presence, allowing God access to all areas of your heart. Dreams and desire are birthed in the secret place as we fellowship with Him in prayer. Write down what you receive, read it often, give shape and form to it. Imagination and creativity are tools God has given us t o be used for our lives to bless us and others. Habakkuk 2:2 “Write the vision and make it plain upon tablets, that he may run who reads it.” When your path is revealed to you it will give you the confidence to move at a pace that is fueled by faith and momentum. Have it before you!
Dwell: Make plans to stay once you arrive! Prepare the things in your life now that will allow you to remain when you arrive at your destination. Ecclesiastes 5:3 states, “For a dream comes to pass with much business and painful effort.” It won’t be easy to make the journey; it may take everything you have to hold on to it. Proverbs 13:12 “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when it comes it is a tree of life.” A tree of life brings abundance, the ability to sustain you and others, a place for shelter and nurture. Allow God to work in you His dreams, His desires and watch what flows from your life!