Chain Saw

Have you heard the story about the man who bought his first chain saw? Turns out he had never owned or seen one before but had heard they were a real time saver. He went to a power equipment dealer and purchased one only to bring it back three hours later exasperated. “This thing is no good. I used it for two hours and it won’t saw wood worth a darn.” The store manger picked up the machine, turned on the switch, yanked the pull starter and the machine roared into life. He then looked at the customer who stared at him blankly and replied “So that is how it works”! Apparently, he hadn’t realized the full potential of what he had.

Now, as far-fetched as that story might be in modern-day America there is a truth to be applied. We can be the same way by not always realizing our full potential. This is even more surprising in a culture that offers so much “self-help”. What is it that keeps us from being all that we can be – reaching our full potential? Is it a lack of education? Is it the courage to try new things? The unwillingness to take a risk? The lack of self-confidence to follow a dream? A compromise that includes the acceptance of mediocrity? While there might be more than one reason, may I suggest one from my observation? Not really being connected with our Creator and understanding what He has for us. The Bible tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 that God has a wonderful plan for us. “‘For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope”. Once we plug into God’s plan we can be all that He intends for us to be – in our relationship with Him, our fellowship with our family, neighbors, and co-workers, and our stewardship of the resources we have (both time, financial, and material possessions). Only when we begin to look toward Him can we really know what He has for us. You can better understand what He has for you can through two resources – prayer/meditation and reading the Bible on a daily basis. Starting with the instruction manual might have helped the saw owner understand the potential he had right in front of him. Taking time to get to know your Creator and His plan for you will help you to better understand and fulfill your potential.

Chaplain Christian D. Hall  

	Chaplain Christian D. Hall, M. Div., VBMC Christian.Hall@valleybaptist.net

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