Today, we continue our series entitled “Laser Focus,” emphasizing living with a Laser Focus on the Fixed Purpose God established for us before the world began.
(Proverbs 4:25 TPT)
Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions.
Scriptures for today:
(James 1:2-4 TPT)
2 My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can!
3 For you know that when your faith is tested, it stirs up power within you to endure all things.
4 And then as your endurance grows even stronger it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.
(Ecc 3:1 ERV)
There is a right time for everything, and everything on earth will happen at the right time
(1 Sam 17:52,53 ERV)
52 The soldiers of Israel and Judah shouted and started chasing the Philistines. The Israelites chased them all the way to the city limits of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. They killed many of the Philistines. Their bodies were scattered along the Shaaraim road all the way to Gath and Ekron.
53 After chasing the Philistines, the Israelites came back to the Philistine camp and took many things from that camp.
Setting the Stage.
If you have been following this series, you already know what God, through David, was able to do. I say it that way because I want to put the emphasis on God and not David. While it was David, and not God, who threw the stone and swung the sword, God’s grace was unquestionably on David to kill the giant. And we know that the victory that ensued, where the Israeli Soldiers attacked the Philistine army and won a great battle that day, can also be attributed to God because it was God who was moving behind the scenes.
So, was it David who did something great that day? Yes. Wait a minute! But wasn’t it God who was at work? Yes. It was both. It was David, and it was God. It was God through David. Paul said, “God treated me with undeserved grace! He made me what I am, and his grace wasn’t wasted.” Paul looked back at all he was able to accomplish in the Body of Christ, and he acknowledged the following:
1) He was not worthy of the assignment,
2) He was not a self-made man; God made Paul the man that he was, and,
3) It was God who was working through him the entire time to make the impact he was able to make.
Paul had no problem with saying that he was who he was by the grace of God. But Paul continued and said, “I worked much harder than any of the other apostles.” Wait a minute! At first, Paul emphasizes God, and in the latter part of the verse, it seems like he is emphasizing himself. But he wasn’t. Paul simply acknowledged the fact that effort is required on our part to maximize our purpose and potential. Walking with God and performing His will is not effortless, although, with God’s grace, it can be sweatless. There is nothing wrong with Paul acknowledging the fact that he had a part in his success. Paul was not arrogant or full of pride. This is evident because Paul continued and said, “Although it was really God’s grace at work and not me” (see 1 Corinthians 15:10). Herein lies the dynamic: it is you and God, God and you… together, making a difference in your sphere of influence.
Now think about the impact David had on the nation of Israel that day. King Saul was in danger of losing his throne if David lost, and the nation of Israel was in danger of becoming slaves to the Philistines. The fate of millions of people lies in the hands of teenagers. It’s good that his hands were resting in the hands of God.
So, what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. Age is not a factor to God.
Abraham was 75 when he got started and 100 when Isaac was born. You can argue that he was too old. On the other hand, David was just a teenager when the fate of millions of people rested upon his shoulders. You can argue that he was too young. But God is God, and He can use anyone. David’s youth didn’t disqualify him from facing Goliath and leading Israel to victory. In fact, his youthful faith and courage were exactly what God needed in that moment. Similarly, the Apostle Paul encouraged his young protégé Timothy, saying, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). If you are still breathing, then God can still use you. So don’t allow anyone to disqualify you from God’s assignment because of your age, race, gender, or anything else. God can use you for His glory. Now, will you let Him?
How this applies to you:
— Recognize that your age or experience does not limit God’s call on your life.
— Embrace the fact that God can use you at any age or stage of life, whether young like David or old like Abraham.
— Don’t disqualify yourself from God’s purpose based on your perceived limitations of age, gender, race, or anything else.
— Be open to God’s leading, regardless of your current life stage or circumstances.
— Remember that your age can be an asset: youthful faith or seasoned wisdom can both be powerful tools in God’s hands.
2. One person submitted to God can make a tremendous impact.
David saved Israel from a national loss and later led that same nation to regional dominance. Paul (a man who should have never been qualified to preach) went on five missionary journeys, changing the culture and climate of Asia Minor, and then wrote half the New Testament, which is still a blessing 2,000 years later. Moses (a man who committed murder and wound up exiled) came back later to lead millions of people out of bondage and help re-establish them as a nation under God. So, what is your story going to be? You’re not too old, too young, too tainted, or too damaged for God to use you to make a tremendous impact.
How this applies to you:
— You were sent to this planet at just the right time, with a divine purpose, tailor-made for you by your creator. Understand that your submission to God and His purpose for your life is the key to making a significant impact while in the Land of the Living.
— Realize that your past mistakes or shortcomings don’t disqualify you from God’s purpose because He knew all the mistakes you would make and called you anyway.
— Embrace the potential for God to use you in ways that far exceed your own abilities.
— Dying to self is not just about dying to sin and selfishness. It is also about dying to the limitations of your humanity. Once you are dead to self, your limits don’t matter. God can do, through you, what you could never do without Him!
— Therefore, Be willing to step out in faith, even when the task seems overwhelming.
— Trust that God can turn your life story into a powerful testimony of His grace and power.
— David was taking lunch to his brothers when his life changed and he became a national hero. Never underestimate what God can do through you on any given day!
3. God’s grace empowers you to do what you can’t do on your own.
When David faced Goliath, it wasn’t his own strength or skill that brought victory. It was God’s grace working through him. The same is true for us today. God’s grace is not just about forgiveness; it’s about empowerment. It’s the divine enablement that allows us to do what we could never do on our own. As the Apostle Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
How this applies to you:
— Recognize that God’s grace is available to empower you in every situation.
— Don’t rely on your own strength or abilities, but lean on God’s grace.
— Face challenges with confidence, knowing that God’s grace is sufficient for you.
— Be willing to step out of your comfort zone, trusting in God’s empowering grace.
— Remember that when you feel weak, that’s when God’s strength can shine through you the most.
— Make time to meditate on God’s grace this morning as you prepare for this week. Look at your calendar and think about the most important moments you will have this week. Then, meditate on God’s grace and put your weaknesses in His hands. Where you are weak, God will make you strong. This mindset will help you make the most of this week and every week!
Conclusion: Remember, God is not limited by your limitations. He specializes in using the unlikely to accomplish the extraordinary. Just as He used David, a young shepherd boy, to defeat Goliath and save a nation, He can use you to make a significant impact in your sphere of influence. Your age, background, or past mistakes don’t disqualify you from God’s purpose. His grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in your weakness. So step out in faith, embrace the potential God has placed within you, and never underestimate what He can do through a life fully surrendered to Him. Your greatest days are ahead, and with God, you are capable of far more than you can imagine (by God’s grace). Stay focused on His purpose for your life, and watch as He turns your ordinary into extraordinary.
Declaration of Faith:
Father, I thank You that my age is not a limiting factor in Your plans for me. I declare that I am available for You today and at every stage of my life!
I submit myself wholly to You, Lord, knowing that You can make a tremendous impact in this world through my submission.
Your grace empowers me to do what I cannot do on my own. I lean not on my own understanding but on Your unlimited power.
I am not too old, too young, too tainted, or too damaged for You to use me. I am Your willing vessel, ready to be used for Your glory.
I face every challenge with confidence, knowing that Your grace is sufficient for me and Your power is made perfect in my weakness.
I step out in faith, embracing the potential You’ve placed within me, and trusting You to do exceedingly abundantly above all I could ask or think.
Lord, I am ready and willing. Use me for Your glory, and let Your impact through my life be greater than I could ever imagine.
Living this way, GREATER IS COMING FOR ME!
I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. AMEN!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
