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“Stop focusing on the things you can’t do.”

A thought by Craig Groeschel from his book, Altar Ego: Becoming Who God Says You Are (p. 43). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

OK.  So, what am I supposed to do?  I thought I was supposed to find my weakness and work on it.  And that will make me stronger.

Craig tells what to do.  He says, “Turn your attention to the things you can do. You are the masterpiece of God, created for the Master’s purpose. Don’t flip through the catalog of things you aren’t, wishing you could order a few nice things for yourself. Instead, look at the sales brochure for you. Start meditating on the truth about you: ‘I am the masterpiece of God. I’m a new creation in Christ Jesus. I already have everything I need to do everything God wants me to do.’”

He then says, “Even as you’re reading these words on this very page, God is shaping you. Paul tells us, ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose’ (Rom. 8:28). In how many things? All things. Does all things include the good things? Yes! Does all things include the bad things? Yes! Does all things include things you’re glad happened? Yes. Does all things include things you wish had never happened? Yes.  In all things, God works for the good.

He goes on, “So here’s another question: does this verse apply to everybody? Actually, no. This verse makes it really clear, God works in all things to bring about good ‘for those who love him,’ and for those ‘who have been called according to his purpose.’ 

“If you are following Christ, you are the masterpiece, created for the Master’s purpose. He is the Potter. You are the clay. He’s working all things for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose. Once you begin to look at your life from his perspective, you’ll start to find tremendous confidence. You can trust him. You can trust that he is the sovereign, good God. From there, it’s a natural extension to step into his will and discover his purpose for you.”

Earlier Craig said, “Without Christ as the center of your life, there’s something terribly wrong with you. But with Christ, you are God’s masterpiece. If you’re serious about wanting to know who you really are, then you must realize your limitations as part of the process. It’s critical that you understand the significance of your need.”

And that is where it all starts.  Just acknowledge you really need him, confess that you have been living all on your own, accept his forgiveness and start following him.  Remember, “Stop focusing on the things you can’t do.”  Start focusing on that which you can do.  Start following him.


Would you start today?

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