"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11
Potential is one of those words that can bring about joy, hope and celebration OR it can bring about dread, despair and frustration. Unfulfilled potential is lamented as a waste (He had so much going for him, but …; her future was so bright, but …). On the other hand, fulfilled potential brings about satisfaction (I knew there was something special about that boy; her momma raised her right!). As soon as we enter into the world and until we take our last breath, we are all judged by our potential. No matter our height or tone, how we are perceived, received, accepted, and denied is based on what we can bring, what we can offer, and what we can provide. Potential is seen differently depending upon who’s eyes we are looking through. What you think may have great potential, may not look so great to me. You may be satisfied with making to high school, but someone else may be aiming for the doctorate. You may be content with just being a worker, but some have the desire to manage. In spite of what others may think, God says “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” What God thinks about me and His plans for me should be what I pattern my life after. I’m talking about fulfilling untapped potential! God calls you “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people.” God has nothing but Good thoughts toward you that He was willing to give His best so that He might regain the relationship that sin took away from Him.
The word tells us that “children are an inheritance from the Lord” and from the youngest to the oldest, we believe that there is great potential in everyone of our children. We dream that they will be doctors, lawyers, engineering, and a benefit to society. Even when they don’t listen or don’t meet your expectations, we still expect great things from them. But potential is not enough unless the potential is fulfilled. Our children at school are based on potential. Adults too are judge based on their potential. Have you ever filled out a credit or loan application? Your credit rating is based on your potential to pay a loan back. The less potential you have to pay your bills on time, the less credit you are able to received. Advancement on our jobs are based on potential. If the company believes that you can be or will become an asset to the company, advancement opportunities will be made available to you.
Joseph was someone who fulfilled his potential in Genesis 37. Even though Joseph dreamed about the greatness that God had planned for him, there were a number of stumbling blocks that could have caused Joseph to become unfulfilled potential. He had to overcome the following obstacles to get his expected end:
- People sometimes can't see what God can (vs 5)
- Dream Killers (Family tried to kill his dreams) (vs 8)
- Fractured support system (Family abandoned him) (v19-20)
- The Pits (how low can you fall and still get up?) (v24)
- Integrity Thieves (Potiphar's wife) (39:7-8, 11-14)
- Forgetful friends (Butler & Baker) (40:2, 23)
In spite of all his obstacles, Joseph was determined to #MoveForward because He knew what God had showed him and trusted God's plans for his life. He didn't have to see it with his eyes to believe. He trusted God anyway. Can we say the same? Can we trust God when it doesn't look like what he's promise will come to pass. With God all things are possible, but we must believe. Allow Him to fulfill the potential He sees in you!
Yours in Christ,
Elder Eugene C. McCown, Jr.
Pastor, Praise Center Church Of God In Christ
Contributing Images
Pictures are worth a thousand words and we want to provide you with verse images to go with the Pastor's Desk. Download them and send them to your friends to encourage them to Move Forward with us (and you) in 2016.
