“It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5 NLT).
In my dreams and pursuits, I want to be sure of myself. However, God wants me to be confident in his ability and depend entirely on him for my security. Therefore, I’m not called to rely on self-confidence. I’m called to rely on what I like to call God-fidence—His work in me equips my calling.
“I’ve failed you!” I often say.
“I know,” God responds. “I love you anyway.”
“But I’m a mess, Lord! I fall so short.”
“That’s my specialty—I will help you.”
God is an expert at taking the seeds of our desires and cultivating them despite our imperfections. Our lack is a chance for God’s provision. He is the difference-maker. He takes our mess and creates miracles when we give ourselves to Him.
Where I come from, the earth is rich and productive. Jamaica is known for its delicious, vibrant fruit. A favorite of the islanders is juicy mangoes in many varieties and colors. Yet, the fruits aren’t available year-round. They begin bearing fruit around April or May, and their season ends about August. There are specific times when the farmers plant the seeds. It takes five to eight years for a mango to grow from a source to a fruit-bearing tree. There’s a significant delay between sowing and reaping.
The same principle of sowing, waiting, and reaping applies to our lives. When God observes that we are consistently sowing seeds of fruitfulness, the harvest will eventually come. The Bible explains it this way, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NKJV).
Through the strenuous process of the harvest, our character and faith can develop. “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6 NKJV). Our dreams and pursuits are more potent if we partner with God. It’s not meant to be a solo performance, but a duet with God. “It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own.
Our qualification comes from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5 NLT).
Dear God, thank you for your patience with me. Thank you for your forgiveness when I fail. Please help me sow good seed, develop good character and grow good faith. Amen.
Your Turn: What hopes and dreams can you turn over to God? Do you have an insight you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you!
Guest blogger Rachael M. Colby provided this featured post. A version of this piece originally appeared on her website www.tattooitonyourheart.com. This version was edited and adapted by our editing team to fit our blog's focus and our theme of "Dressing in God's Love."
Bio: Born and raised in Jamaica, award-winning writer Rachael M. Colby resides in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Wife, mom, beach bum, artist, work in progress, avid Tweeter, Rachael writes to glorify God, encourage believers, and reach the lost. She connects culture’s questions with Christianity’s answers, inspires faith, and motivates through articles, devotions, poetry, and interviews. She has a heart for racial reconciliation and to uplift those who serve in tough places. Her work has appeared on Southern Ohio Christian Voice, Inkspirations Online, Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Blog, and the Oak Ridger Newspaper. She runs on copious amounts of coffee and chocolate. You can connect with Rachael on her website, TattooItOnYourHeart.com and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Such a great post!
Thank you for the in-depth insight.