The Challenge of the “Not”

Not motivated enough

Not talented enough

Not smart enough

Not enough resources

Not as good as someone else

Not educated enough

Not ready yet

Not pretty enough

Not old enough

How often are we trapped in the “not”s? I have said, “I am not enough” in countless ways over countless years with a variety of circumstances. And you know what happened? I lost. I lost opportunities. I lost some adventures. I lost friends. But mostly, I lost myself - the truest person that I was supposed to be got shuffled and lost in the emotions of feeling inadequate.

Life hands us a lot of “not”s from early ages and we believe them. We believe that we are not something and act according to someone else’s ideals. I have a plaque in my office that says, “Go out on a journey that you will never forget” It reminds me that even though, I am not ready, don’t have, can't’ do, not good enough, I am as John 15:16 says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”

This verse is part of a larger Chapter on abiding. Abide with God: He will prune you and make you into something that bears a lot of fruit. John 15:16 is a four part process: chosen, appointed, to go and bear much fruit. First, God chose you so any “not” excuses are invalid, you did not choose Him. When we were kids and there was a kick ball game about to happen, no one wanted to be picked last. God is the captain of the team and He chose you first. Rest in that for a second or two. Maybe we need to pause and ponder that for a few days. You were chosen first and God wants you on His team. Second, He appointed you. It is your assignment even if you feel unqualified. It’s not someone elses’ calling but yours alone and no one can do it for you or better than you. Trust that God does not make mistakes with your life. He wants you to “Go” and bear much fruit. Get off the couch, get out of your own head and “GO”. The fruit will follow when you are obedient and push aside the “nots”. Jesus even gives a blessing when we choose to follow hard after His calling for our life. He says, “Ask whatever in my name and I will give it t

o you.”

What do you want? I have a laundry list of wants so I am choosing to run hard after Jesus and decimate the “nots” in my life. What about you? Choose to “unknot”the nots and watch as He bears fruit in your life.

Ektenos: Stretch

Heart - Soul - Mind - Strength

We live in the now and the not yet!

I am rooting for you!

Sandi