Made for More

B. Keith Chapman, President & CEO

At times, life can feel stagnant, unaccomplished, and heavy. As we work through the challenges, it can begin to affect our ability to stay positive and motivated. It is in these times we must remind ourselves that every day starts with a blessing.? God has each of us on this earth for a purpose. The fact that we are still here is evidence that there is more to be accomplished.? Charles Schulz once said, “There is no heavier burden than an unfulfilled potential.” It is easy to get discouraged when faced with the craziness this world has to offer. However, there is hope for the future that can keep us motivated and focused on achieving our full potential.

Romans 8:6 says, “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” God has a plan and a purpose for each of us. However, it is up to us to stay locked into the truth and not be deceived or discouraged by the circumstances around us. The mind is a powerful influencer in our lives. It can be the source of significant depression and discouragement or a source of joy and peace. Staying focused on the promises of God can get us through even the toughest of times. Ephesians 1:18-19 (NLT) says, “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. ?I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him.” In this passage, the Apostle Paul reminds and encourages the people of Ephesus to focus on the strength and power made available to those who believe in God. There is a confident hope for our futures when we maintain a relationship with our Heavenly Father. One that is rooted in his unlimited greatness and power, which is available for our good. This is as good of a reminder today as it was for the people of Ephesus over 1,900 years ago. ?

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” Each day, we are presented with the choice of holding on to the challenges of yesterday or stepping into the blessings of today. The Bible says that God created us in his own image. God’s image, nor the life of His son Jesus, reflects depression, insecurity, guilt, or any other of the many crippling emotions. Jesus’ life was an example of strength, commitment, compassion, and love. As Mr. Emerson so astutely points out in his quote, we must decide who we want to be as a person.? I would suggest that this is daily exercise. We have a choice to listen to the negative or step into the promise of life and peace.? Each day presents another opportunity to shake off the burdens of yesterday and step into the person that God has called us to be. Rest assured, life will present a host of burdens and challenges. It is how we respond to those seasons that will either strengthen or weaken our resolve.

Challenge: Don’t carry the burden of unfilled potential. Remember that you were made for more, and each day presents a new opportunity to step into God’s individual plan for your life. Maximize your potential by tapping into the peace and power that only our Heavenly Father can offer. Like the Apostle Paul, remind those around you of these promises and encourage them along the way.

Published: October 1, 2024