For a while I’ve been dwelling on the term potential. Such an abstract, diverse word but in it holds so much value. As an engineering student with interests in science, I know what potential is in a physical sense. I know it’s classification of energy, its use of quantifying an object’s ability to move, I understand its relation to observable movement by way of calculus equations. If a stranger were as interested in fluid dynamics as myself, I could describe how potential allows us to predict motion. But what does potential mean in terms of people and our path of life? It wasn’t until a few months ago, when a close friend introduced to me the significance of potential, that I started trying to fully understand it on a level more relevant to life.
The question I’ve been asking: what does it mean for a person to have potential? If potential is an ability for motion then perhaps in terms of the heart, potential is a person’s ability to change. In this sense I would hope that people have a lot of potential, as change can be synonymous with growth. But personally, I am learning that potential can swing both ways. As much as great potential allows for great growth, it also allows for great descent. And I feel that since deciding to join the World Race, my own potential has increased intensely.
You see, I am passionately certain that God is leading me to the World Race and has been for a while. It’s difficult to explain how I am so sure, but I am. When I take the time to be still with God, I am showered with overwhelming peace that this decision is right. But in that, I am also becoming more and more aware that the enemy will do everything in its power to deter me from going. And I am very naïve to knowing how the devil tempts me even though I know that in that objective, he is very good at what he does. And so with my time in Blacksburg, as my potential is increasing by cherishing time in the Word and being constantly amazed by passages that the Spirit leads me to, I know that the potential for growth and descent are one in the same.
It reminds me of certain vacations of the past. This one in particular, my dad rented a jeep to drive around the island we were staying on. And it was the most amazing thing because as we continued to drive up and up to the top, the view we were able to see of both the island and water was stunning, absolutely inexplicably stunning. But the road consisted of one side yielding the security of the island wall, and the other side being an intensely steep cliff leading to the open water. And as we continued upward, the roads steadily became more and more narrow and the cliff became steeper and higher. Again, I feel like I am driving on that road. It is quickly leading me to a position to see the Lord’s beauty that lies in this world but with such, it yields a steep cliff awaiting my downfall.
But praise God that He is ever sovereign and victorious against all other powers at work in this world. As strong as anything we may face, He is all that much stronger and promises to remain close by our side.
“And be sure of this; I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” –Matthew 28:20
Thus I pray…
I pray that the Lord continues to provide peace as He has been so faithful to do in the past few months. I pray that He opens my eyes to new passages in the Word that reveal truth about Himself and the world He created. I pray that the mentors He has provided for me will hold me accountable to live in grace and humility.
And I pray that with such increasing potential, He will constantly remind me of my purpose in doing the World Race, a purpose He has been so faithful to already reveal to me.
Secure my potential for growth Lord, and protect me from a steep cliff of descent.
“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen.” -1 Peter 5:6-11
