Much of this write-up will come from the morning devotional booklet, The Word For You Today, from the Bob Gass ministry. It is excellent. If you are looking for a short, encouraging word to start your day… I highly recommend you purchase a subscription.
One of my college coaches was Lou Holtz. It was his first head coaching job— William and Mary in 1969. We’ve remained in contact over the years and he’s still the great speaker and motivator that he’s always been. If you have not heard his “Do Right” talk, you need to find it. One of the things he brings out right at the beginning of the talk is “Choice is the greatest power God gave us.” Bob Gass writes, “Too many of us just accept our lives– we don’t become leaders of ourselves.” Say again: Leaders of ourselves!!! Thus, oftentimes we can’t get out of our own way.
Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor, wrote in Souls on Firethat when we die and go to meet our Maker, we’re not going to be asked why we didn’t become President or invent a cure for the common cold. Wiesel says that what we’re going to be asked is, “Why didn’t you become you?! Why didn’t you become all that you are?” Fulfilling God’s purpose and plan for your life (and He does have one for each of us!) requires taking responsibility for yourself and your life. How do we do that?
First and foremost, it means saying “yes” to God. We simply lack the wisdom and strength to do it on our own. Turning over the car keys to Jesus and, as Carrie Underwood sang, letting “Jesus take the wheel” may be the biggest challenge any of you may ever encounter!!! Why is this so important? Because every time you say “yes” to God, you are opening yourself up to allow His power (His Holy Spirit) to build you up to your potential and, thus, your greatest possibilities. If you are used to saying “no” to God, you are going to find this difficult to do. I would encourage you to at least start with saying “maybe.” That’s a step in the right direction.
One of my favorite Bible stories is from the Gospel of Mark. A father comes to Jesus begging Him to heal his son. Jesus said to the man, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” The man cried out, “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief!”
If you are a self-doubter, then you can say that same prayer. God will answer it. You’re responsible to become all that God made you to be. But, here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it alone! God’s Helper, His Holy Spirit, is there to guide us along the way. It’s your choice!!!
