God is wanting to do a new thing in your life. He wants you to perceive it and step forward into it. Just like we're changing seasons in the natural realm, God is preparing your heart to move into a brand new season with Him.

There's something called "miracle fruit" that can make bitter things taste sweet instantly. Similarly, God wants to tap into the potential He has placed within you—something He has stirred in your heart, spoken to you about, or that someone has prayed over you.

Every time I've stepped into a new position or season in life, there was always grace and anointing for that new season. I never had to worry about being unprepared or in over my head. God's grace is very near to you right now, and He's tapping your heart to say:

• "I'm doing a new thing"
• "I'm anointing you for that new thing"
• "I'm giving you the ability to walk in authority you've never walked in before"

Potential can be defined as "capable of development into actuality." It's something not yet realized but capable of being developed. We often speak of potential in terms of:

• Potential realized
• Potential fulfilled
• Potential wasted

Think about people in your life who rose up to their full potential and amazed everyone. But also consider those who had great potential but never moved forward with it.

There are many reasons why people allow their God-given potential to remain dormant:

• Fear of failure
• Fear of the unknown
• Desire to remain comfortable
• Avoiding disappointment
• A lessened appetite for the things of God
• A diminished view of God as Creator and miracle-worker

As Hebrews 12 reminds us, "Let us throw off everything that hinders." It's time to leave some things in the past. You might think you can carry both worldly things and spiritual things, but God is calling you to let go of what's holding you back.

In 1 Corinthians 13:11, Paul writes: "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me."

There are some people in 70-year-old bodies who have never reached spiritual maturity. They've never walked with God through trials in a way that moves beyond criticism and bitterness. They remain spiritually immature despite their age.

Don't settle for less than being absolutely immersed in who God has called you to be and what He has called you to do.

If you hunger for something more than religion and mere church attendance, if you desire more than a dual life where you try to serve both God and the world, then tell God:
"I believe you're tapping me right now and bringing me forth. I rise up on the inside to say, I receive that and I will act upon it in the mighty name of Jesus."

This means:

• Stepping into new territory
• Embracing new spiritual disciplines (prayer, Bible study)
• Gathering with people of like heart who pursue God
• Never settling for less than God's best

In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul tells Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God which is in you." When was the last time someone told you to stoke the fire of the Holy Spirit in your life?

The story of Joshua crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 3:13-17) teaches us an important principle: We want God to part the waters first, and then we'll step out. But God wants us to step out first, and then He will part the waters. It's a matter of faith.

The priests had to put their feet in the water before the Jordan River parted. God is calling you to step out in faith before you see the results.

In 1 Kings 17, we see God directing Elijah to leave his comfort zone. First, He sent him to the Cherith Ravine where ravens would feed him. When the brook dried up, God sent him to Zarephath where a widow would provide for him.

Sometimes certain "brooks" in our lives need to dry up for us to get where God wants us to be. What satisfied you yesterday may not be what God uses to satisfy you today.
We weren't created to live safe—we were created to live by faith.

God is tapping on your heart right now, calling you to a deeper place than where you currently are. He's promising to anoint you as you enter this new season and use you greatly.

Ask yourself these questions this week:

• What potential has God placed within me that remains untapped?
• What "brooks" in my life need to dry up so I can move forward?
• What step of faith is God asking me to take before I see the waters part?
• Who are the people I need to surround myself with who are also pursuing spiritual maturity?

This week, identify one area where God is calling you to step out in faith. It might be in your prayer life, your relationships, your career, or your ministry. Take that step before you see the results, trusting that God will part the waters as you move forward in obedience.

Remember: We weren't created to live safe—we were created to live by faith.