This is one of my favorite shows on TV. It's called Hidden Potential, and it's on HGTV. If you haven't seen it before, they take a couple who is looking for a new home and are working with a set budget. Then they find three different houses that are well under the set budget but need a lot of work done. Through the magic of computer graphics, they show the couple what could be done to make the old, worn-down house into their dream home with renovations.
What I love about the show is the mind of the designer. He can look at a house that the couple doesn't like at all and visualize what it could be. He rips out walls, installs new kitchen cabinets and countertops, resurfaces floors, adds windows, and lays out furniture - all on his Mac. Whereas the couple would never choose that particular house to live in, he shows them its hidden potential, and suddenly they see its worth.
It occurs to me that, like some of these old houses, all I need is the touch of the Master Designer to reveal the potential that lies hidden within me. I can't remember a time in my life when I didn't know Christ, and I accepted him as my Savior when I was 4. I've weathered a few storms through the years, and if I'm completely honest, I've neglected some of those areas that need attention.
It's easy for someone who has been a Christian for almost 30 years to slip into a sort of "comfortable" Christianity. When you're fed all the time and have never gone hungry, you don't appreciate the food as much. I found myself in a place a few years ago when I had lost my hunger for God's Word and didn't fully acknowledge my need for His intervention in my daily living. That's when the fear began to take hold.
Fear can keep you from doing all the incredible things God designed you to do. I was afraid to do anything that could expose my kids to illness or injury. I couldn't sleep in hotels, which meant no vacations. I didn't want them to play on playgrounds or be around other kids. Bottom line, I was afraid to be a mom, afraid to let my kids be kids, and I was afraid to talk to anyone.
I am grateful God stepped in and started making changes in my life! He's done a lot already, but I know He still has a long way to go. I still struggle with fears (hotels and public bathrooms!). I'm still afraid something bad might happen to my kids, and sometimes I'm still afraid to talk to people and tell my story.
But, thanks to God's handiwork, the fear no longer controls my life. I know God has allowed these experiences in my life so that I can be a source of hope and encouragement to others who might be facing similar struggles. So I won't let fear keep me from realizing my hidden potential.
A house can't fix everything that needs to be repaired and turn itself into someone's dream home. A designer has to step in and do the work. The same thing is true for us. We can't change our hearts with our own strength. But, unlike a house, we have the ability to either fight the Designer or let Him do His work. I choose to let Him work. How about you?
1 comment:
Oh Amy - hotels and public bathrooms - I'm with ya, Sista! And I'm also afraid to tell people. So I appreciate your courage. When we are able to "recycle" our lessons, then God has done his work. Praise Him!
I also want to say thanks for the reminder that when we are bound by fear, we are not able to live effectively for him. He renews our mind when we renew our thoughts in his Word.
Also, also - that we do need the Designer - until we acknowlege that we are often uncreative about what to do and where to start... and truthfully, the renovations are way out of our budgets. Christ has already paid the price and has the plan. He just waits on our permission.
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