He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request. 1 Chronicles 4:10
I’m inspired to make a new necklace for myself that says, “Greater Things”. I need to be reminded of the truth in this simple phrase as I look ahead to 2014. In fact, just recently, I was…
I visited with a friend the other day and we reminisced over the past year or so. God has done so much in her life and her family. I met this wonderful new friend through LifeHouse Church. I’ve watched God work in her family and I’ve seen them grow in the truth of God’s Word. God has opened doors of service for both her and her husband at LifeHouse. It was inspiring to sit and listen to her share all the ways God has been at work.
She expressed that, coming into LifeHouse, she felt like a baby Christian. Although she had accepted Christ as her Savior, she had not really grown. She told me she had so much to learn about who God was and what He desired for her life. At LifeHouse, she has felt God teaching her and growing her. She has found opportunities to serve and use her gifts. She’s been a blessing to so many as she serves. She expressed that she just offered what she could. And I told her God has used it for His glory. We talked with grateful hearts for all God has done for her and through her.
While she was sharing with me, I felt prompted in my heart (perhaps by the Holy Spirit) to tell her, “Friend, this is only the beginning. Don’t settle in here, thinking this is all there is – that you’ve offered all you can – that you’ve probably reached your full potential.”
In my mind, I imagined a picture of her and a great horizon up ahead. I thought about all the things God might want to do through her. Could she see that this (although wonderful) is not all there is?
PINIMAGE
Do you do that?
Do you sometimes wonder if you’ve reached your full potential?
Do you subconsciously tell yourself, “Hey, as I look back over the past year and see what God has done in and through me, I’m thankful and filled up…but I’ve probably been tapped out. What more could God do with me?” Maybe you don’t even think much about it but accept that this is all there is.
I do it.
It’s easy to just go about your busy life and not think of it at all. As you look at 2014 and ponder what’s ahead, do you do so from the framework that you will remain who you are and continue to offer what you have to this point?
God wants to do more in you.
God wants to do more through you.
Can you believe Him for greater things?
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20
I began encouraging my friend saying, “Who knows what more God wants to do through you! Continually look to Him. Make yourself available…even if you feel you’ve given all you’ve got. Like the loaves and the fish that never ran out as Christ fed the 5,000, He can continue to bring, out of our weakness, His provision and power. He can use us as long as we make ourselves available to Him.”
As I drove home that night I began thinking how we all need to be reminded…this is not all there is. As I look into this new year, do I see it from the framework of my weakness or God’s strength…of what I am capable of or what God can do? With my life in His hands, greater things are yet to come. I am asking God to help me to make myself available to Him in whatever way He sees fit for greater service. What will He do in you?
