99. Reach your full potential

Whilst camping out close to the Jordan river, God gave Moses several instructions to follow once they enter the Promised Land. Moses in turn told Joshua and the leaders as he was not allowed to enter into Canaan. Now one instruction that God gave Moses was the boundaries of the land that they should conquer.

"Then the Lord said to Moses, "Give these instructions to the Israelites: When you come into the land of Canaan, which I am giving you as your special possession, these will be the boundaries." Numbers 34:1,2

And then God gave them the boundaries of the land. The size of the land was generous and there was more than enough space for everyone. The sad part is that the Israelites never conquered the whole portion of the land given to them. They got tired before occupying the whole area destined for them. They got tired of fighting and settled for less than what God wanted to give them. In David's day they did occupy most of the land given to them after he conquered most of their enemies, but after the split of Israel and Judah they never again occupied their 'birthright'. They drifted away from God and in the end they were exiled from their land. Only in 1948 were they given the chance to return to their land, Israel, as rulers. But they are still not occupying the whole portion of land that God had promised them.

It makes me feel sad when I look at the Bible as a whole and realise that the Israelites never reached their full potential as God had planned for them. I know one day in the Millenium they will be the top nation and will stay in the area God had ordained for them. But for now, they haven't measured up. Why? In short, they loved this world and this world's gods too much.

The same applies to us. God wants to give us a generous portion of the 'Promised Land' here on earth. He wants to bless us and to lead us unto new heights. But we need to do our part. Last week I spoke about leaving sin in our lives behind and I would like to motivate you this week to not give up in your quest. We shouldn't get tired in the process of getting the 'Canaanites' out of our lives. We shouldn't slack and think that if we can get rid of 80% it is good enough. It is not. We need to continue moving forward, step by step and gaining the territory that is ours for the taking. Leave all sinful desires out on the curb, it is not worth it. God and the generous land He wants to bless us with is waiting, don't let it slip through your fingers just because you love this world's gods too much. Rather reach your full potential and be the vessel that God can use for the furtherance of His kingdom!

Father, thank you for blessing us with so much. We are so sorry that we don't always grab onto all that You want to give us. Please help us to leave our sinful desires and to gain victory in our lives over areas that don't please You. We want to follow You and Your ways. In Jesus Name. Amen

 

1 comment for “99. Reach your full potential”

  1. Gravatar of Karlien WoodKarlien Wood
    Posted Monday, 25 August 2014 at 1:19:24 PM

    What a precious message, as always Ilze, we ONLY need God's Grace. His Grace is sufficient for us..We just stand in awe before His Throne, thank you Jesus!!!!! xx

Post a comment