Day 17 – The Tragedy of Wasted Potential

(Judges 16:16-21)

Potential for something

Potential refers to that which is possible, as opposed to actual. It is what we are capable of being or becoming. Everyone has a potential for something, but not everyone actually became, or fully realise the potential they contain.

Greatness in life is not measured by your potential, but the full realization of that potential. Your potential is your gift, which can be dormant, wasted or fully developed and used for good causes.

When potential is wasted

Potential is wasted when it is not used for the intended purposes or when it is corrupted so that it cannot be used again. Our potential is given to us by God, but we can fully actualise it or waste it.

The story of Samson in today’s bible passage is a sad example of the tragedy of wasted potential.

The anointing of God

Samson knew God called him and anointed Him for an assignment. He knew that his extraordinary strength came from God. But he had a weakness with women which he did not deal with.

The anointing of God on your life is not an insurance against personal weakness. Your greatest enemy is the one within you (your weaknesses) not the enemy outside. Your weaknesses are the greatest enemy of your potential.

When you refuse to confront your weaknesses, they will thrive, control and eventually destroy you.

Playing close to the edge

Samson played games (Judges 16:4-15) with the anointing of God in his life resulting in disastrous consequences. To disrespect God’s anointing or play games with it is a recipe for disaster. Playing close to the edge is at best a foolish act.

Nicky Cruz warned that if you keep satisfying the evil desires of your flesh, they will eventually master and control you and corrupt your influence, your ministry, and your soul. To avoid the tragedy of wasted potential, you must refuse to give in to your weaknesses and protect the gifts and anointing of God on your life.

You must learn daily to say NO to the things you desire in order to protect the things you love including your relationship with God.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us“

2 Corinthians 4:7