December 27, 2007

 

Jesus looked at him and said, “So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).

 

--John 1:42

 

When Jesus looked at Simon and called him Peter, which means “rock,” most of Simon Peter’s friends were shocked! Peter wasn’t exactly someone you would have referred to as a rock… someone who was stable, strong, and a source of strength. But Jesus saw much more in Peter than his friends could.

 

In the exact same way, when Christ looks at you, He doesn’t see you as others do… or even as you do. He sees you for who you can be… He sees your full potential. Isn’t that encouraging?

 

You know what the problem is, though? A lot of Christians aren’t letting God propel them to their full potential. The reasons for this are numerous, but the most common reason is because most people are afraid to venture out of their comfort zones. Can you relate?

 

In order for you to reach your full potential as a follower of Christ, you’re going to be called out of your comfort zone… probably a lot more than you’d like to be! But here’s the great thing about God’s call: He doesn’t ask you to do anything He doesn’t give you the power to accomplish!

 

When you face trials or times of uncertainty, it can be hard to trust God. But if you just keep following after Him and trusting Him with every step, you will be amazed at how your faith and character will grow.

 

You will be able to handle much more than you think through God’s strength. You’ll be able to forgive when you thought you couldn’t… you’ll be able to wait patiently when you thought you couldn’t wait any longer… and you’ll have hope when everything around you seems to crumble!

 

when Christ looks at you, He doesn’t see you as others do… or even as you do. He sees you for who you can be… He sees your full potential.