I can't do it!

I think it's a pretty common thing to look at the greatness that we see in others and then look at ourselves; wishing that we could accomplish even a fraction of that greatness, and to admit that we just don't have it in us.  It's a very empty feeling.  Very humbling.  And it makes us shrink back.  The thing is that if we make it about us, about what we can do, and about the credit we receive, then we should shrink back.  Whatever we can do on our own won't last and is pretty insignificant anyway. 

That empty feeling is pretty disheartening, but what if we turned it around to be a trigger?  A trigger to reflect on the fact that the more we empty ourselves the more we can be filled with God?  That empty feeling is a lack of self-confidence, which is a good thing if you are seeking God-confidence! 

When we look at others and long for the greatness in them, why should that make us shrink back?  If it's the type of greatness that we should be seeking then it is God revealing Himself and His purposes through them, right?  If not, we are just seeking fame, fortune, or other worldly things.  So, if we are witnessing God being revealed and honoring that, then we should be rejoicing?  If we are not, then we are either seeking to be used in that way for our own glory, or we are judging (therefore claiming to know better than God), or we are being convicted.  That conviction comes because we are not allowing God to flow through us as He desires to.  We push Him out for fear of looking foolish (pride) or for fear of losing something (idolatry).

I can hear some of you saying, "You don't understand!  You don't know what I've been through."  I don't have to.  God does, and He doesn't want you to keep holding on to that.  Sometimes we feel entitled to our pain, or grief, or fear.  I don't discount what you've been through.  Maybe you feel that letting it go is letting someone off the hook.  Doesn't that, by default, give that person or situation priority over Christ in your life?  Have they earned that spot?  Isn't it better to give that over to God?  Revenge belongs to the Lord anyway.  I've seen His revenge and, trust me, it's far better than your grudge. 

I think that it's time that we take a good hard look at the greatness around us, whatever it is that makes you long to be more than you have been.  Then look to God and ask Him what's holding you back.  Why not make a commitment right now to surrender whatever that is, and maybe ask for some accountability as you move forward.  Allow His Greatness to shine through you, and challenge others to do the same.