Next Level Thinking DevotionalSample

You Are Fully Loaded

We are constantly surrounded by the media’s image of success—fame, possessions, beauty. We can begin to believe that we are missing the one thing that we need to be successful. We start to make a list of “if only’s.” 

If only I was more talented; if only I was better looking; if only I had a better start in life. 

But God is saying, “If only you would believe that you are who I say you are—anointed and equipped by My power—you would experience your greatest level of anointing and fulfillment!”

When I stepped up to pastor Lakewood Church after my father passed away, I felt the pressure to minister like he did. People compared my teaching style to his. My father was more dynamic and energetic that I am; I prefer a more conversational style of teaching. 

I tried to imitate my father’s style in the beginning which caused a lot of stress and pressure. One day I read Acts 13:36 that says, “David served God’s purpose in his own generation.” In that moment, I understood that God equipped me with exactly what I need to serve His purpose in my generation. As I embraced the way God made me, I experienced a greater level of ease and anointing in what He has called me to do.  

The same will be true for you. When you take your eyes off of who you are not or what you don’t have and begin to focus on the strengths that God has given you, you will step into a greater level of influence, peace, and power. 

Maybe your gift seems small right now—you don’t feel like what you bring to the table matters very much. 

Here’s the key: you have to learn to be faithful right where you are. 

The successful people that you are comparing yourself to didn’t get where they are overnight. You are looking at the final picture, but you didn’t see the years of them being faithful in the little things and of their struggle that led them to where they are now.

Embrace who you are—confident that you are fully loaded for the destiny that God has for you!