A thought by Shaun Nepstad from his book, Don't Quit in the Dip (p. 86). Worthy. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.)
Do you feel you have a lid over your potential, something that is keeping you from fulfilling your dream?
Shaun says, "A lid, by definition, is 'a removable or hinged cover' (per Dictionary.com)."
He goes on, "READ THAT AGAIN. I want to make sure you catch it, because there’s good news tucked inside that definition. It’s removable! Meaning, as my friend and leadership expert John Maxwell so many times reminds us, 'You can lift the lid!' There is hope that the lid can be removed. I don’t care how long the lid has been over your life, and it doesn’t matter how heavy you think it is. That lid can be removed, whether it be guilt and shame, or the negative words that have been spoken over you, or the weight of current circumstances. What I’m trying to say is, you’re not as boxed in as you think.
"It’s time to lift the lid. There are people who are waiting for you to get out of the dip. People who need to know it can be done. People God has destined for you to impact."
He later says, "Since I was eighteen years old, I have prayed, God, give me wisdom beyond my years. I know you’ve called me to great things that are so far beyond my own ability and I need You. Please grant me the wisdom I need to do what You’ve called me to do. Maybe take a moment to stop right now and pray that same prayer over your life.
"And then be determined to grow. You’re called to be an influencer, and you don’t have to become someone else to fulfill your purpose. Proverbs 12:24 tells us to 'work hard and become a great leader' (NLT). Salvation is free, but becoming a leader is hard work; it requires you to do something. You can lift the lid, but it doesn’t happen by itself. Take steps today to lift the lid, to rise above the dip, and walk into your destiny. Working harder is about aiming in the right direction consistently. Fully dependent on Jesus and His Word. Relying on His empowerment and grace but taking the right steps, staying consistent even when you don’t see much happening."
He then says, "At the end of the day, people are at stake. Lifting the lid is not just so you can feel better about yourself. We are here to reach people. We’re here to make a difference in people’s lives and fulfill God’s purpose for our lives. In your business, at your church, with your family, at school. But in order for you to be effective in your purpose and make a difference in people’s lives, it’s going to require you to lift your lid.
"Start. Start today. Start now. And be willing to learn from others. You can grow. You can make a difference. You don’t have to accept the lid of limitations over your life. With God, all things truly are possible."
During this pandemic, I personally have lifted a lid of what I thought were limitations that have held me back and God is using me even at 73 to fulfill his purpose in a particular area of my life. And he wants to do the same in you. Will you start today, will you let him, will you let God show you that all thing truly are possible? Will you let his lift he lid?
Yes, yes!
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