Endless Potential

                One of the most exciting things to think about when I look at my son is his potential to be anything he wants. I honestly believe he was made for a great purpose and I cannot wait to find out what it is. I remember my mom telling me that God had a great purpose for me as well, but lately I have not felt that is true. When I was young I thought that meant I could do anything and I did my best to be the person God had made me to be. As I have grown into an adult, I have now accepted that I do not have to work as hard to be the person God had made me to be because His plans for me are probably no more important than His plans for anyone else. Recently my husband and I have struggled with many different avenues we have the opportunity to pursue and it has made me question my ordinary existence.

                In light of these questions we have about the future, I decided to read Jeremiah 29 this morning. I have often turned to verse 11 which says, “’For I know the plans I have for you’—this is the Lord’s declaration—‘plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to vie you future and a hope.’” As powerful and encouraging as this verse is, it is even more powerful when you understand what was going on when the Lord made this promise to His people. They had just been taken captive by their enemies as punishment for following other gods. There were false prophets telling the people not to get too comfortable because they would not be in exile for long. God told the people to settle into the land they found themselves in because if that land prospered, they would prosper as a people. Then He assures them that He knows what He is doing and will move them out of the land at the right time. God not only asks His people to trust Him to do what is best for them, but He asks them to trust that He IS DOING what is best for them despite their disobedience.

                I wonder if I have that kind of trust in God that even in my disobedience, He has a purpose for me to prosper me as His child. How often have I bought in to the lie that I was meant for an ordinary life instead of living up to the extraordinary purpose I have as a follower of Christ? Despite all of the opportunities ahead of me, am I making the most of the time I have where God has placed me now? Do I trust that He will move me when the time is right? Do I trust that God will accomplish His purpose despite my disobedience? What would change about how I live my life if I believed that God has an extraordinary purpose for my life that He wants me to fulfill here and now in the roles He has placed me in?

                Lord, please forgive me for believing the lie that the purpose you have for me is not very important. Help me to trust You to move me when you are ready. Help me to be the best mother and wife and daughter and daughter-in-law that You have made me to be. Amen.