Unlocking Your God-Given Potential in Christ

Every believer carries within them extraordinary possibilities placed there by God Himself. Our potential is not limited by our present circumstances, past failures, or natural abilities, but is defined by the unlimited power of Christ working in and through us. This truth invites us to look beyond what we currently see and embrace the glorious future God has prepared for those who love Him.

Our Position in Christ

Our potential begins with understanding who we are in Christ. We are God's children, and it is not yet revealed what we shall be (1 Jn 3:1-3). However, we can be confident that we will not be disappointed in His plans for us. The Scripture declares, "For I am confident that God, who has begun a good work in you will carry it on to completion" (Jer 29:11; Phil 1:6). Our life on earth is preparation for eternity, with the future far more glorious than the achievements of the past. The apostle Paul considered his past accomplishments as waste compared to knowing more of God (Phil 3:7-14).

Our position in Christ is one of righteousness, acceptance, and belonging. We are seated with Him in heavenly places, far above all principalities and powers (Eph 2:6). This elevated position is not earned but given through grace, and it forms the secure foundation from which we operate. When we understand our true identity as beloved children of God, we no longer strive from a place of insecurity or fear but from the confidence of knowing we are already accepted and valued.

Dependency on Him

True potential is never realised through self-effort alone. Our strength comes from complete dependency on Christ, who is the source of all life and power. Jesus declared, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (Jn 15:5). This dependency is not weakness but the pathway to supernatural effectiveness. When we acknowledge our limitations and lean fully into His unlimited resources, we position ourselves for God to work mightily through us.

Dependency on Him requires daily surrender and trust. It means acknowledging that every good gift comes from above and that our sufficiency is from God alone (2 Cor 3:5). This posture of reliance keeps us humble and protects us from the pride that leads to downfall. When we depend on Him, we experience the exchange of our weakness for His strength, our confusion for His wisdom, and our inadequacy for His all-sufficiency.

The Foundation of Our Potential

Co-operate with Him to bring this into reality. Look beyond your present situation, dreaming and striving towards becoming all that you are capable of in Christ. Do not focus on the problems and what is against you; rather, see what is for you and use the challenges of life as stepping stones to advance. These challenges provide the opportunity to outwork the fruit of the Spirit and live victoriously. Satan's aim is to steal, kill and destroy while God's purpose is to give abundant life (Jn 10:10).

Stewarding Your Gifts with Diligence

More important than developing our abilities is the heart attitude of continually making ourselves fully available for "God working in us to do His good pleasure" (Phil 2:13). Do not bury your gifts or settle for less than you are capable of. The Scripture exhorts us to "Stir up the gift that is in you" and move beyond our comfort zone to invest in His Kingdom (Mt 25:14-30; 2 Tim 1:6).

With God I am capable of more

When as believers we stand before Christ to give account of our lives, will we receive rewards for our labours or have regrets because we failed to act? It takes dedication and hard work, obeying the promptings of the Holy Spirit, to move forward in the Christian walk. He chooses the specific refining process for each life that best suits the raw material we make available, as well as the unique, finished result. Although our futures are individually planned for each believer, there will be many similarities as together we "Grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ" (2 Pet 3:18).

We are all capable of greater devotion to, and service for God, and usefulness to humanity. To reach our potential we need motivation, incentives, and encouragement, rising to new challenges and in faith continually push beyond our comfort zones in godly endeavours. However, whatever we do should be built on a solid foundation of increasing intimate relationship with Him and godly character.

Overcoming Obstacles to Fulfillment

We need to evaluate our capabilities, being positive but also realistic (Lk 14:31,32). God is able to do more than we ask or imagine, so do not under-estimate His ability to work through a cleansed vessel, yet understanding the growth principle. Just as a huge tree does not suddenly appear but increases over time, so a ministry or ability develops with consistent use and application (2 Cor 4:7; Eph 3:20).

There will be challenges to overcome, and although Satan will do his best to keep you from rising up and fulfilling your God-given calling, remember "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world" (1 Jn 4:4). When dedicated to God, acknowledging Him in everything we do, He will direct our path. This stands in contrast to the loss of potential blessing when devotion is diverted to idols (Ps 37:3-6; Prov 3:5,6; Hos 9:10).

It is a divine quality to see beyond the present, from what we are now to what we can become in Him. The Holy Spirit is continually dealing with areas in our lives that need cleansing. Jesus knew Peter was a timid disciple who would deny knowing Him, yet in a few days would be transformed by the Holy Spirit into a bold witness (Act 1:8). As you plan and prepare for your future, be like Jesus and Paul who said, "By myself I can do nothing… [yet] I can do all that God wants me to do, with His strength" (Jn 5:30; Phil 4:13).

What are the undeveloped areas in my life?

Although we must apply ourselves to the outworking, it comes about by God's Spirit for we are weak in ourselves (Zech 4:6; 2 Cor 13:4). Am I living up to my potential in Christ? Live as though you will be judged by what your potential is, not what you are presently. Visualize what Jesus and you can achieve together, and then endeavour to fulfill it.

Inherent in each human is the potential for great good, but also great evil, depending on whether it is God or Satan who has been given permission to gain control of the mind and life (2 Pet 2:19). Our daily choices determine who has our allegiance. Everyone you meet either is, or has the potential to become a child of God. The choice is theirs. Perhaps you could play a role in their coming to Christ. Do I consider unsaved people as potential believers who need more of Jesus lived out through me? Do I view people as they currently are or what they can become?

Reflection and Application:

Am I cooperating with God's work in my life, or am I resisting His refining process?
What gifts and abilities has God given me that I may have buried or neglected?
How can I use today's challenges as stepping stones toward spiritual growth?
Do I view others through the lens of their potential in Christ, or only their present condition?