Unlocking Your God-Given Greatness
Bishop Leonard Chatham
Have you ever felt like you were meant for something more? Like there's a spark of greatness inside you, just waiting to be ignited? Well, I've got news for you - that feeling isn't just in your head. It's the voice of God calling you to embrace the greatness He's already placed within you.
As I was preparing this message, I was struck by a powerful truth from the Book of Hebrews. It tells the story of Moses, a man who discovered his God-given greatness and used it to change the course of history. But here's the thing - Moses didn't start out as a great leader. He had to go through a process of discovery, development, and faith to become the person God called him to be.
The Seed of Greatness
"Look at me and say, it was there all the time," I told my congregation. "In other words, God doesn't wait until you grow up and then give you greatness. You were born great."
This is a crucial point we often miss. God doesn't suddenly decide to make someone great. The potential for greatness is already within you, planted there by the Creator Himself. Just like an apple seed contains everything needed to become a full-grown tree, you have within you the seed of your divine purpose and potential.
But here's the catch - a seed doesn't automatically become a tree. It needs the right conditions to grow and flourish. The same is true for the greatness within you.
Discovering Your Greatness
The first step in unlocking your God-given greatness is to discover what's inside you. Moses had to go through this process. He was raised in Pharaoh's house, learning leadership skills, but it wasn't until he encountered God in the burning bush that he truly understood his calling.
Number one, we got to discover what's inside of us. Number two, we have to rearrange our lives in order to accommodate what's inside of us.
This process of discovery isn't always easy. It might require you to step out of your comfort zone, to try new things, or to listen closely to that still, small voice of God. But I promise you, it's worth it.
Developing Your Greatness
Once you've discovered your gifts and calling, the next step is to develop them. This is where many of us fall short. We might recognize our potential, but we fail to put in the work to nurture and grow it.
Whatever your skills are, whatever God has blessed you and your greatness to be able to do, you got to make sure you start developing yourself.
Think about it like this: if you discovered you had a talent for playing the piano, you wouldn't expect to become a concert pianist overnight. It takes practice, dedication, and time to develop that skill. The same is true for any area of greatness God has placed within you.
Overcoming Obstacles
Now, let me be clear - the path to greatness isn't always smooth. Moses faced numerous challenges, from his own self-doubt to the opposition of Pharaoh. You'll face obstacles too. But here's the good news: these challenges are often the very things God uses to shape and refine your greatness.
The very reason why some of you are at the job you're at is because God wants to take those skills and put them inside of you. He wants to take you and put you on the backside of the desert and deprogram you and let you still have the same skill, but not the world's attitude.
Don't be discouraged when you face setbacks or difficulties. Instead, see them as opportunities for growth and refinement.
Using Your Greatness for God's Purpose
Here's a crucial point I want you to understand: your greatness isn't just for you. God has given you these gifts and talents to make a difference in the world around you.
I might not promise to you that the thing that God wants to be great in you is not for you. You got to be out of your mind if you think God put all this inside of you just for four and a half people, when there's over 6.6 billion people on this planet that he wants you to touch.
Your greatness is meant to be a blessing to others. It's meant to further God's kingdom and bring glory to His name. When you use your gifts in service to others, that's when you'll experience true fulfillment and purpose.
Putting It Into Practice
So, how do you start unlocking your God-given greatness? Here are some practical steps you can take:
Seek God's guidance: Spend time in prayer and Bible study, asking God to reveal your gifts and calling.
Explore your passions: What activities make you feel most alive? These can be clues to your areas of greatness.
Develop your skills: Once you've identified your gifts, invest time and effort in developing them.
Serve others: Look for opportunities to use your gifts to bless others and further God's kingdom.
Stay connected to the body of Christ: As I reminded the congregation, "You draw strength from me and I draw strength from you." Don't try to go it alone - stay connected to a community of believers who can support and encourage you.
Remember, unlocking your God-given greatness is a journey. It takes time, effort, and faith. But I promise you, it's worth it. As you step into the greatness God has placed within you, you'll not only experience personal fulfillment, but you'll also make a lasting impact on the world around you.
So I challenge you today: embrace your God-given greatness. Discover it, develop it, and use it for His glory. The world is waiting for you to shine.
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