Any Given Day: 33

Potential

We all have it. Personal potential, professional potential, relational potential...how many actually realize it? As parents, our frustrations with our children are primarily born out of our desire to see our offspring realize their full potential. We work tirelessly in order to provide them with the tools and skills necessary for successful living. The rest, however, is up to them. In the long run, we can only be responsible for realizing our own.

Realizing potential begins with recognition. A quick look to the future can paint a beautiful picture, but it also has the ability to terrify us into paralysis. Seeing what we are capable of has far reaching consequences. Our potential only matters, however, if it is a part of God's plan for our lives.

Personal potential will only be realized if we strive to be the person God intended us to be. Professional potential will only be found if it serves a purpose greater than a paycheck. Relational potential only comes to fruition if God is blessing the relationship.

The question we should ask is "What is God thinking in terms of my ability to realize my potential?" He is an orderly God. The natural order of things requires recognition first, blessings next, then action. A straight line toward achieving God-given potential requires focus and work. None of it is easy. None of it will come quickly. All of it we will answer to eventually.

A prayer for those who are motivated to fulfill their potential:

Heavenly Father, you alone know the plan that is laid out for me. You have my best interests at heart and you know my weaknesses as well as my talents. Remind me to let you lead the way, and show me what true success looks like. Provide me with the tools, people, and skills necessary to assist me in making the right choices. My decisions will one day become my legacy. Thank you for showing us how to live our lives through Your Son. AMEN

Phillipians 1:6

Any Given Day: 32

Betrayal...

There are few things more heartbreaking than human betrayal. By it's very nature, it requires a breach of trust between two people who shared a mutual bond. Regardless if it is a financial deal gone wrong between two business partners, or a knife stuck in the heart of a significant other, or a brother turning on another brother, the results are devastating.

Humans are hard wired to be connected. We build relationships as we roll along through life, some superficial and some deep. Betrayal can only take place in the deeper relationships... when something was invested, where we hung our hopes and expectations, where a foundation of trust existed. It is so painful because we rested there, in contentment and honor, and one day, the proverbial rug is pulled out. Rudely, abruptly, and seemingly out of nowhere.

It happens for many reasons, and each person has a part to play. Once the damage has been done, it creates a cascade of events...all of them based in fear. Fear of more pain, failure, sorrow, brokenness, and regret. The natural reaction is to put up your barriers, harden your heart, and base future decisions on someone else's bad ones.

What do you suppose would have happened to humanity if Jesus had followed this formula?

How sad and heartbroken Jesus must have been to know that one of His brothers, a trusted follower, would succumb to Satan and betray his Master. What would it have been like to walk alone in the garden, knowing your end was coming, feeling every human emotion... and the ultimate rejection? Jesus faced pain and suffering beyond our understanding, yet He never waivered in His love for people, even in the face of certain death. He took it like a man, He did not get angry, He did not strike out, He knew that something greater was at work. His pain ensured our Salvation...selfless to the core. He will always be the One you can count on!

For those of you feeling the sting and sadness of betrayal, a prayer:

Lord, I have been terribly hurt by someone I care for. Place your arms around me and provide me some comfort! Help me to control my reactions, and learn from my experience. Remind me that Jesus, a perfect person, was also betrayed, and knows my suffering. Please give me the patience to endure the test and become stronger because of it. Teach me how to let go of anger and build a foundation of honor again, with wisdom gained, and hope restored. AMEN

Psalm 118:8