Recognizing Potential

Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment. - Proverb 13:23

This verse says there is much food in the fallow, or dormant, land of the poor. However, because it is misjudged it is not tilled, nothing is planted, it is destroyed, and the poor remain poor and hungry. Sometimes, we suffer through a need when we have the ability to meet it. It is a matter of recognizing and capitalizing on the potential in what we possess.

This principle can be applied in relationships. Consider Jesus. The twelve apostles that He chose gave Him reason to walk away from them. He did not, undoubtedly, because He knew the day would come when their true potential would shine through and benefit the kingdom. Peter is a perfect example. After denying Jesus in His greatest time of need, Peter became one of the most influential, powerful apostles. Therefore, it is crucial to look beyond a person’s unattractive appearance, mistakes, and/or even past sins and see the possibilities of what they bring to the table. Be willing to patiently work with them until their positives are dominant. Your investment will yield a return.

Again, like Peter, we have all disappointed someone who continued to stand by us. Because of their ongoing support our potential is now popping. To those people we should say, “Thank you, for when I let you down you did not give up”.