Each of us has untapped potential in us, and if we had a hint of how much I think we would be astonished!
Let me tell you a story. A story many of us are familiar with yet with stunning depth and detail that we haven’t even considered!
Long ago, there was a boy named Joseph. His fathers’ favorite – and not exactly a joy to his brothers. In fact to further prove this, they sold him as a slave and he was taken off to a foreign land.
But God is in the details and didn’t forget Joseph. Joseph grew in wisdom and favor and after a time became the second highest ruler in the land.
Time went on for Joseph’s brothers too. They became mighty men, feared and respected among the people. God was their strength and He showed Himself strong through them on many occasions.
The Famine
A famine spread across the land and forced Joseph’s brothers to journey to Egypt where Joseph was now ruling. Due to God’s favor and his own careful preparation he had an abundance of food to share – not just with his land and people, but with those from far, far away.
I’m sure you’re familiar with the story. The brothers came and didn’t know Joseph, but he knew them. In talking to Joseph, they told how they had a younger brother and a father back home.
Eager to see his youngest brother – and still not revealing his identity – Joseph instructed the brothers to go and return with him. Joseph’s brothers knew that their father would not part with their youngest brother, especially following Joseph’s disappearance.
But hunger is a powerful motivator and after a time the brothers found themselves pleading with their father yet again to send their youngest brother, Benjamin, with them. After much pleading and bargaining, their father finally relented.
In the end, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers. Instead of harboring ill will, they grew closer. Not only that, but his whole family moved to the choicest land near Egypt to be close to Joseph.
Untapped Potential
Reading this account of the story of Joseph and his brothers was just astounding. They were mighty, remarkable men who were filled with God’s strength and power. Entire nations knew of their God, feared Him and treated His people with the utmost respect. Joseph and his brothers – the children of Israel – knew that they had God’s favor and strength and were confident in all that they did.
Before Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, he tested them. He said that he was going to keep their youngest brother as a slave. He was curious whether they would accept that, perhaps for money or reimbursement (much as they had sold him earlier), or if they would be loyal to their brother.
Not only did they refuse, but they were willing to fight for him. Joseph called together the Egyptian army – mighty fighters, cavalry, and infantry, tens of thousands of the strongest army in the world – and surrounded his ten brothers. These ten brothers didn’t shrink back. They didn’t cower in fear or consider haggling. Rather they called on the Lord. It is said that one of the brothers cried out so loudly that it was heard throughout the land of Egypt. The mere intensity of the sound of his yell filled the Egyptian army with fear, killing many.
How this Applies to You and Me
There is much more to this story and you can read about it in Jasher 54. To me this story reminded me of the limitless potential God places in His people, if we will but claim it! It is exciting!
And yet just a few decades later, the children of Israel – Joseph and his brothers’ children – no longer claim God’s strength and capability that their father’s claimed. They are slaves to Egypt, when so recently they were their masters.
But isn’t this so much like us? We get overwhelmed, tired, discouraged and we forget to claim the strength that God so generously gives?! I am certain that there is untapped potential is in each of His people!
What Do We Need to Do?
Ask, seek, and knock. Over and over again. And claim His strength, His protection, His mercy.
Ask Him for direction. Seek opportunities that He presents. Knock (investigate) areas He brings along or with which He inspires you!
God didn’t create extra people, He has a specific purpose for each of His people. As good children it is our responsibility to be our very best for Him! Filled with His strength and favor! Not because of who we are, but rather because of Whose we are!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. No matter what is going on around you, always, always remember that God is in control and He has a plan. Show up for Him, today and everyday, and give Him your best! https://www.theamericanlady.com/2020/02/19/green-pastures-ahead/