HomeWord - November 11, 2013

 God Draws Out the Best in You

This devotional was written by Jim Burns

Just as you received Christ Jesus our Lord, continue to live in him. —Colossians 2:6

Jesus had the power to draw out the best in people. He met a clumsy, big-mouthed fisherman named Simon. Jesus looked beyond Simon's present abilities and looked at his potential. He looked Simon straight in the eye and said, "So you are Simon the son of John?" Simon nodded. Jesus said, "You shall be called Peter."

"Peter" means "rock." Jesus nicknamed Simon Peter "The Rock." At the time Simon Peter was anything but a rock of a person. Yet Jesus saw his potential, and this fisherman became the rock-solid leader of the Jerusalem church.

Throughout the Bible we meet different individuals who had an encounter with God and became different people. Abram became Abraham, "the father of a multitude of nations." Jacob met God and became Israel, which means "soldier of God."

It is important for you to know that God affirms you as He affirmed Bible characters. He loves you and will draw out the best in you. He sees you not only for who you are but for who you can be.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Colossians 2:6 challenges us to not stop at just receiving Christ, but to continue daily to live in Him. Has your decision to receive Christ as Lord changed the way you live life day to day? How?

2. Part of "living in Jesus" is giving Him your insecurities and fears and letting him draw out the very best in you. Are you willing to let God work in your life?

FURTHER READING:

John 13:13; Colossians 1:10

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