If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.
Thomas A. Edison
I came across this quote one day painted on the wall of an elementary school that bears the name of its author. It’s a very good question. If we just did the things, we were capable of what would the outcome be? I think Thomas Edison would be right. It would be surprising.
I struggle at times with the idea of being good enough to pursue the tasks that God has laid out for me to do. There is always a little voice in the back of my head chipping away at my confidence. Whether that voice is something of my own doing or a message, Satan strategically uses to bring me down. It does its work and keeps me from doing the things I know that I can do.
Are you like me?
It’s crazy how that works. And if that’s not enough, we hear other whispers like don’t let yourself become too prideful. God wouldn’t like it. We add to the conversation, “Be careful to avoid thinking too highly of yourself” and then embrace the statement—who am I that I think I can do this anyway? It just makes me laugh. I do this all the time. Have you heard these words?
I mentioned this problem to the ladies that I meet with every week. They laughed, too. “You feel incompetent?” I am so glad it didn’t show. I think the reason it didn’t was that God’s presence is with me, in me. It’s the only way this girl has any confidence at all. I need God’s words to Joshua daily—
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
But let’s get back to Edison’s quote:
If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.
When we consider the idea of doing all the things we are capable of, world change is in our grasp. God has already has prepared the environment and us for the task. We are where WE are supposed to be with a skillset in place to do what we are called to do. You do not lack; I do not lack, anything to face the job He has given. How do I know? In Second Peter 1:3 it says,
“His (God’s) divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
God did not make a mistake.
He knew what He was doing when He chose me to do what He called me to do. He didn’t make one in your case either. God knew what He was doing when He made His plan to use you and me to accomplish His work. He gave us everything we need to live a godly life in everything we do.
What’s more, He thought it was a good idea.
The word glory—doxa in the Greek—in Second Peter means opinion, judgment, or view. And goodness—areta—a virtuous course of thought, feeling or action. Now, that gives things a deeper meaning. In God’s opinion, his calling on our lives is a virtuous course of action. It would be foolish to think of arguing our unworthiness with Him. He doesn’t see it that way.
So, with that in mind, what if we did all the things we were capable of, the things God has prepared us to do? What would the world look like if we took Him at His word? Would we be astounded at what God could accomplish through us just because we were willing to participate in His plan? Each of us is in a unique place with a specific set of skills and experiences. It would be a shame to let them go unused. Let’s grab hold of our calling and change the world. I think it may just astound us.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Something to Ponder
Is there something you have been called to do by God that has never quite gotten out of the talking about it stage? I am completely guilty of this. What if today was the day for you to put your talk into action?
See for Yourself
There is a parable about using what God gives us in Matthew 25:14-30. Take a look at what some servants did when they were entrusted with a task. Go here to read the story for yourself.
What do you think you would have done in their place?
Meet the Challenge
Life is full of opportunities to make a positive change in your life and in the world around you. No matter how small, if you feel the urge to act on an idea you know you’re capable of doing, just do it. You’ll be glad you did. Need prayer for courage? I would be glad to help with that. Praying for others is totally in my wheelhouse.
Patty, Your message is just what I needed to hear today. I’ve been struggling with adapting to retirement and with that has come a loss of confidence and purpose. My blog this week is a cry for help. And, your message is an answer to my prayer. Thank you for blessing me today.
I love when God does that! ❤
Love this Ms. Patty. If God leads you to it; then to steal a marketing line from Nike, just do it! Can you imagine what our world would be like if each of us just did what God directs us to do? It seems many, myself included more often than not I think, work harder not to do something we are led to do than it would take to just do it. Thank you so much ma’am. God’s blessings
The working harder at ‘not doing’ is so true. Lol! Thanks for the comment.
I learned many years ago that when God calls us to a task, whether we feel up to it or not, we need to heed! I mulled writing a book for years, and had the basics of it in my head. In the summer of 2007, I distinctly heard God say, “It’s now or never.” Boy, did I sit up and take notice!!! Two series and six books later, I’ve answered that call, and it’s been one of the greatest rewards of my life. My prayer is always that my writing glorifies the Lord.
You can visit my author website here: http://www.gladetrilogy.wix.com/theglade
Blessings, Patty, and thanks for this amazing reflection!
Thank you for your encouragement. It is important to do what God says. I’m glad you added a link to your page. I’ll have to head in over there. 🙂
Thanks, Patty! 🙂
Last year i completed a sprint triathlon- at the age of 53. And completely astounded myself – and my family I might add! I do wonder what would happen if I did that more often!
Wow! Good for you. Can’t hurt to test out the idea of doing it more often. Do nothing, get nothing. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Patty, I sometimes need balance between what God calls me to do and what I think I should do. For the things He’s calling me to do, I needed 2 Peter 1:3 today. Thank you for encouraging us to live as God equips us.
I’m so glad you found our helpful. When it comes to challenge of keeping life in balance, I think of when Jesus gives Martha a bit of advice about priorities in Luke 10. I find when I choose what is best first, balance seems to follow. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
What would the world look like if we took Him at His word? Would we be astounded at what God could accomplish through us just because we were willing to participate in His plan?
Thanks for these words. God equips the called, not the other way around. It’s a matter of trust sometimes. Do I let God use me as He wants and trust His will? Can I trust Him that I am equipped even when I may not feel like it?
Great post!
The last question is a great one. I guess the answer would be–give it a try. Sometimes you have strength you didn’t know existed. Thanks for you comment.