Are you becoming all you can be? Will you seize an opportunity when God presents you with doing something great for Him? What holds you back from trying something new?

by Rev. Jack Richards on February 14, 2022

SEARCHLIGHT

Are you becoming all you can be? Will you seize an opportunity when God presents you with doing something great for Him? What holds you back from trying something new?

 

SCRIPTURE

“When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, ‘The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.’” Judges 6:12

 

SPOTLIGHT

Abraham Lincoln’s parents were poor, illiterate people. Booker T. Washington was born in slavery. Thomas Edison was born deaf. Louis Pasteur was nearsighted. Helen Keller could not hear, or, see. None of these people were held back by the hurdles they had to jump in order to experience success.

Samuel Cunard was born in Glasgow, Scotland, to a very poor family. At a young age, he became determined to build ships. Cunard began whittling little boats from blocks of wood with his pen knife. Overcoming life hurdles led him to design the first Cunard steamship. Today, the Cunard Cruise ships sail the world.

Many times, people do not reach their potential in life because they are not able to jump the hurdles in front of them. They are presented with many opportunities to do great things, but their circumstances hold them back from becoming a champion, a success, or a life changer. Too often people are cowards rather than champions when dealing with difficulties, or, facing enemies. In the book of Judges, we meet such a person. His name is Gideon. God presented to Gideon an opportunity that would change not only his life, but his family’s and his nation. In the Scripture text above, God called him a mighty warrior and desired to make him a champion for Israel. Before that could happen, Gideon, who was a coward, had to jump some hurdles that held him back. Perhaps you may be able to identify with Gideon. What hurdles, or barriers, are holding you back from becoming the person God has intended you to be? Everyone has hurdles to jump over in life. Will you become honest with God and yourself?

Hurdle #1- BLAMING GOD FOR YOUR PRESENT CONDITION. This is what Gideon did after the angel of the Lord told him God would make him a mighty warrior. “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all His wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ but now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” [Judges 6:13.]

Have you ever thought that God has abandoned you? Have you ever wondered if God still answers prayer? You can easily do that by blaming God for the mess you are in, while ignoring your own responsibility. You avoid dealing with the problem by focusing on the trouble, but not the transgression. Opportunities are missed. You think God has abandoned you rather than considering if you have abandoned God by being out of His will. Naomi did this. [Ruth 1:20; 4:14.] So did Jonah. [Jonah 2.]

Hurdle #2- NO FAITH IN YOUR OWN ABILITY. This is what Gideon expressed when he said, “Pardon me, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” [Judges 6:15.] You may be doing that by believing you are the least capable and least likely person to be able to make a difference. You are too much aware of your own inadequacies and weaknesses. You do not have the confidence to tackle the problem head on. You are not considering the fact that God would never lead you to do something that He would not equip and empower you to be able to do. You are going to have to step out in faith believing that God will bless you. Your faith step will mean that you are ready to risk your life and reputation on the business venture, going on the mission trip, competing in the contest, or applying for the new job. 

Hurdle #3- SEEKING A SIGN. Gideon was a sign seeker. All through his life, he asked for signs, rather than asking for more faith. Gideon replied, “If now I have found favor in Your eyes, give me a sign that it is really You talking to me. Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before You.” And the Lord said, “I will wait until you return.” [Judges 6:17.] You may believe that God is speaking to you, but you just want one more confirmation, so you ask for a sign. Jesus’ disciples had a better idea when they asked Him to increase their faith. [Luke 17:5.] God would much rather grow your faith in Him and grow you out of a need for signs.

God wants to make you a champion. He desires to bless you with success that will bring glory and honor to Him. He does not want you to be a coward. Fear is not a part of His plan for your life. God wants you to lead a courageous life, rather than an intimidated one.

Are you ready to jump some hurdles in order for God to greatly use you? God does not begin by injecting courage into your veins. Instead, God begins by identifying who He is. The angel told Gideon the Lord was with him. God is with you. Neither does God wave a wand over you and suddenly you become courageous. Instead, God begins by telling you who you are. You are God’s mighty warrior/champion. That means God sees your potential and will make you what you need to be. It’s time for you to be convinced that God, plus you, equals a majority!

What is holding you back from seeing God’s picture and plan for your life? Now is the time for JUMPING LIFE’S HURDLES. Today is the day to maximize your full potential to glorify God. Stop blaming God for your situation. Trust in God’s ability, rather than trusting in your ability. Seek God, rather than seeking for a sign.    

 

SOMETHING TO DO

Ponder and pray about three “HOW” questions throughout today.

#1. How can I prevent myself in the future from thinking that God has abandoned me, or blaming God for my situation?

#2. How can I turn my weaknesses into strengths?

#3. How can I allow the Holy Spirit to increase my faith?

 

SOUL TIME PRAYER

Almighty God, Maker of heaven and earth and every living creature, thank You for being my Heavenly Father who desires only the best for me. Help me to jump any hurdle that keeps me from becoming the person You want me to be. Forgive me for blaming You for the situations I am facing. I know that You are with me and for me. Forgive me for not trusting You to lead me in ways that will be of great blessing to me and to others. Forgive me for always looking for one more sign, rather than walking by faith in You. Make me Your warrior/ champion. I trust You with my life and reputation. AMEN! 

Tags: god, freedom, forgiveness, old testament, opportunity, jesus christ, life's hurdles


Previous Page