Maximizing Your Potential

sold him into slavery instead of killing him, Joseph endured many hardships that could have prevented his potential from being unveiled and exercised. First, he was falsely accused of seducing his master’s wife and was, therefore, thrown into prison; then he was forgotten by those he helped. Still Joseph remained faithful to God and continued to trust Him. He didn’t allow the enemies of discouragement, opposition, and the negative opinions of others to destroy the dreams God had given him. After many years, Joseph was placed in a position of great prominence because he interpreted Pharaoh’s dream. Thus, his potential to interpret dreams and to manage wisely were effectively used, and his purpose to preserve his father Jacob’s family in the midst of a severe famine was fulfilled. (See Genesis 37—47.) King Saul tried to kill David many times. After Saul disobeyed God and God chose David to replace Saul as king, “.the Spirit of the Lord.. .departed from Saul, and an evil spirit.. .tormented him” (1 Samuel 16:14). As a young man, David came into Saul’s house to soothe him with the playing of the harp. Because he found favor with Saul, David became one of Saul’s armor-bearers. Before long, David ran into trouble. As he became a great warrior and grew in popularity, Saul came to be jealous. One day Saul hurled a spear at David. Another time he sent his men to David’s house to kill him. Although David escaped, he spent many years as a fugitive, trying to avoid death by Saul’s hand. Discouragement, fear, loneliness, distractions, negative opinions, and pressure from others were all part of those years. Yet, David trusted God to fulfill the promise he had received when Samuel had anointed him to be king. In time, David fulfilled his potential and became the greatest king in Israel’s history. Although death is a favorite way for satan to destroy potential, he will most likely try to ensnare you with one of the enemies of potential. Be alert to recognize these enemies for what they are—satan’s attacks on your potential. Expect SatAN’s Attack. Paul knew that the attack of satan is inevitable. Thus, he told the Ephesians to put on the full armor of God so they could withstand when the evil day came. He wanted them to expect trouble so they would be prepared to meet it when it came. No matter what you do, you will always have critics. This is true because some people cannot bear to see others succeed. When you aren’t doing anything, you’re not a problem for them; but when you start fulfilling your dreams and visions, you’ll attract attention. People don’t care about you until you start doing something big. No matter what you do, you will always have critics.