Filed under: Christian Beliefs & Culture | Tags: ability, able, can't, God, power, Sin, talent
When we ask what God can do, we usually think of huge miracles. After all, He created heaven and earth. But, what does that mean to us? We weren’t even there when it happened. So, what we really want to know is, “What God can do…for me.” Let’s take for granted that He is all-knowing, all-powerful and that He is love. How does that apply today? To me? To you?
First, let’s cover the list of what God cannot do. Get comfortable:
1. God cannot be sinful.
“God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5
A good analogy is that of heat and cold. The definition of cold is a) Marked by deficient heat; b) Being at a temperature that is less than what is required. The feeling we label as “cold” is actually our sensing a lack of heat. Just as sin is a manifestation of the lack of God’s presence. Heat can’t be cold. Light can’t be dark. God can’t be sin. But, He can allow sin to move in whatever way He plans: “The LORD works out everything for his own ends— even the wicked for a day of disaster.” Proverbs 16:4
That’s it! Beyond that, it’s “game on!” So, now that we know God can do all things except sin, we take the limits off of what He can do in our very own personal lives.
I may live a relatively decent life; steady job, nice home, good friends and tolerable family. But, what I want out of life is to live with few regrets. I want to live!—not just survive. I want to make a difference in people’s lives. And, even if I really don’t want that, I would like to reach my greatest potential as a human being, to see the absolute best me come to life.
This is what God can do. And, you don’t even have to wait until next lifetime to live the best time of your life. No matter your socio-economic status, your star-power, your obstacles or preconceived notions about yourself (or that others have about you), God has a plan for the life you are living right now. It’s a life filled with purpose, with hope. A future.* He’s got gifts He’s given you that He wants to stir up and use properly; and He’s even got some talents in store for you that you’re not even aware of yet.
For instance, I found out a few months ago that I am a songwriter. I have no musical background, but so far I have three pretty amazing compositions under my belt and another on its way.** This isn’t me bragging on me, but on the all-knowing, all-powerful and ever-loving Lord, Jesus Christ. I’m sharing only one example of a personal trait that this ex-administrative assistant probably would have never discovered. It’s a pursuit that’s come through building a relationship with the God in heaven who knows me better than I know myself.
What God can do is more than we can orchestrate for ourselves. His offer is more satisfying than comfort, money, power or influence; He offers an opportunity to find out who you were really made to be, and live the life for which you were designed. But, as always, the choice is yours.
*“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11
** find samples at http://libraryofintelligentdesigninc.blogspot.com/
Filed under: Artsy | Tags: art, artistic, associated content, diligence, diligent, discipline, helium, inherent, innate, learn, practice, skill, talent
Is one skilled in a discipline merely because they inherently possess its basic tools? If I were nit-picky, (and I am), I would argue that “talent” and “skill” are substantially different. Talent is an innate, ”special natural ability.” While Webster Dictionary considers a “skill” to be a “great ability.” At least the latter definition is attainable with discipline and regular, honest assessment; both techniques that can be applied to any area of life, and even in the realm of art.
Ken Foster (www.kenfoster.com) has seen over 1000 students during his 35+ years as a piano teacher. He recalls a student he’d had for several years who had learned all the technique that was at Mr. Foster’s disposal. Though efficiently grasping the skill of piano playing, the student never excelled beyond the basics and onto improvisation. On the other hand, there are those who possess the talent, but lack the discipline. Mr. Foster relates a personal example; “A teacher once told me that he probably would’ve given up on me long ago if it weren’t for my talent…”
…see Quo Elbert’s full article here.
