What We Don’t See
can’t tell you how many opportunities I’ve had open up, just to turn those opportunities down. I would listen to my self-talk — “I can’t do that,” or “I don’t have a clue what to do.” Oh, I’ve risen to the challenge on occasion, took the opportunity, walked through the open door, and figured it out along the way. By and far, however, I have listened to my old self talk telling me I just can’t do it.
This old world of ours definitely looks at the human potential/capability differently than how God sees us. Each time I’ve turned down an opportunity I was listening to what the world was telling me. God sees the whole picture, while we have only a limited view. God is ready to show us what He wants to do with our lives once that surrender comes and we place it in His hands.
The Bible says, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Let’s face it, trying to find our identity in earthly possessions or worldly success leaves a person unfulfilled and always chasing after whatever desire we hope will satisfy us – which ends up being nothing. We’re looking in the wrong places and need to readjust to a greater potential with God.
“Jesus spoke to them again: ‘I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life’” ( John 8:12). The Gospel of John shares the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and lays the groundwork of what Jesus was to do on earth as well as who He is. Jesus had a better way. His way? Bringing light to a dark world: Jesus taught us: A greater way: There’s a better way to reach your fullest potential. And it’s the only path that will truly get you there. “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” ( John 14:6) A greater truth: It’s not just a greater truth. It’s the Truth. When you embrace the truth of Jesus, you experience freedom from the pressure to perform and see the purpose behind the gifts that God has given you. “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” ( John 8:32).
A greater life: This is what Jesus offers you through a relationship with Him. More joy, peace and purpose through a life focused on Jesus. ‘“A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance’” ( John 10:10) Jesus sees each one of us as we are, who we are, and who we will become – just trust Him! It’s not about what WE don’t see and all about what HE sees!
Debby Efurd is co-founder of Cary John Efurd Ministries of Pittsburg, TX. She has been a contributor to Bound for Life and written numerous articles published in LifeNews, Christian Post and the Baptist Standard, and is the author of Go Tell It!. isit her blog, The Second Mile, at www.debbyefurd.com and contact her by email (caryjohnefurdministries@gmail.com).