Each Friday my writing stems from a word prompt. Five minutes, one word prompt. The prompt this week is … Potential.
‘Potential’ has been defined as “possible as opposed to actual; capable of being or becoming” (dictionary.com).
The definition brings a smile for God has been seeing the potential in each of His children long before dictionaries were in existence.
To Gideon, who was hiding in a threshing floor, the angel of the Lord appeared and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” (Judges 6:12, NLT). Other translations use the words ‘man of valor’ or ‘warrior’ but nonetheless, Gideon was not any of these words – yet.
These adjectives spoken to Gideon pointed to his potential heroism, who Gideon was yet to become as he trusted God and was empowered by God.
This encourages me this morning. There is a hidden potential in each of us as well. Not yet tapped but waiting patiently to be ignited in us:
“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. Glory to him in the church an in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21, NLT)
As we rely on Him –
day by day, each and every day, daily –
our lives will yield a potential beyond our known abilities.
And all to the glory of our God.
Today I am joining … Five Minute Friday and Faith On Fire and Fresh Market Friday and Faith ”˜N Friends .
Visiting from Faith on Fire. I love the story of Gideon. Yes, if only we trust God and let Him empower us to fulfill His will in our lives. We can do nothing unless we abide! Just the encouragement I needed for today!
Cheryl, I so appreciated your comment. It is so true that we must abide continually in Him to be empowered. Thank you for encouraging me.
“possible as opposed to actual” – what words of hope! Always thankful for what God sees in me when I can’t see it in myself. FMF12
Yes! The definition was so eye opening to me. May you have a wonderful weekend!
I enjoyed reading your post and looking at the story of Gideon with new eyes. Yes, the Lord does address us with potential we have in the now and the future. Thank you for visiting this morning on my blog.
He truly sees more in us than we can ever see in ourselves.
God has a plan for each of us. Relying on Him will allow us to fulfill the potential He has in store for us. 🙂
Gideon. I need a refresher course on him. But the word HOPE? Gets me every.single.time.
Me too, Susan. And you keep spreading the hope!
I’m coming to think that the potential God sees in us is the potential of Now; that we have a choice, each moment, to subordinate our will to His, and to dedicate every word and action to Him.
And when we do, we achieve the potential He’s placed in us, and He’s clapping His Hands in delight!
Andrew, you totally amaze me with the insight you have experienced. You are achieving so much as God empowers you and I have no doubt He is clapping His hands in delight. I am so glad He crossed our paths!
Yes hidden potential in all of us!