impactful

Growing up, we always had a keen interest in following the Olympic games.  Specific events, such as figure skating, hockey, and the many evolving downhill ski events.   I was always fascinated by the skill levels achieved and displayed by individuals that entirely devoted themselves to their sport.  It’s fun to now watch my children at the edge of their seats, supporting the Olympians they sympathize with.
 
However, this year, for the first time I happen to specifically take note of the disappointments and failures displayed on the faces of Olympians who were not able to deliver to their level of expectation.  Most have dedicated their entire lives in disciplining themselves, training and perfecting their natural abilities, yet surprisingly failed.  
 
I couldn’t help but think how happy I am that God does not depend on us to perfect our natural abilities so that he can use them.  In fact, he wants to use our inabilities, the areas that we are least likely to succeed in.  
 
You see, most Olympians depend on their refined abilities to perform.  They have to entirely rely on their natural abilities, they have self-reliance.  But God does not want us to rely on ourselves when he uses us to make impacts.  Therefore, he chooses the weakest areas of our lives.  When he uses the weakest areas of our lives, we are unable to be self-reliant.  We really have no choice but to lean and rely on him to perform, becoming entirely God-reliant.  
 
The beautiful thing about being God-reliant, is unlike human ability, he never fails.  We are guaranteed success when we rely on him. 
 
Let’s study Abraham.  God begins to speak promises of impacting and blessing nations through his family line.   
 

And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed… (Gen 22:18 NIV)
 
 
Yet Abraham and Sarah were unable to have children.  So, they begin to rely on themselves and in their best natural efforts they master up a plan involving Sarah’s maid, and Ishmael is born.  They were self-reliant.  
 
But God said no, the promise will not be fulfilled through Ishmael.  In other words, I can’t impact nations when you are self-reliant. 
 
God was accomplishing God-reliance in Abraham.  He waited until they were old and in their natural ability unable to bear children.  
 
When Abraham become God-reliant, Isaac was born super-naturally (outside of natural ability).
 
If we want God to birth super-natural impacts and accomplish things that we would never be able to in our own abilities, we must learn to be God-reliant.  He will use those barren (weak) areas of our lives to accomplish them.  
 
The things we do for God in our natural abilities may still be impactful, but only to the natural level.  They will not have supernatural impacts.  God revealed this to Abraham when he said, I will still bless Ishmael for your sake, but the promise of great impact will be accomplished through Isaac
 

As for Ishmael, I will bless him also, just as you have asked… But my covenant will be confirmed with Isaac… (Gen. 17:21 NIV)
 
 
God wants to impact others through you but you have one of two choices.  Put your best foot forward (natural abilities) and rely on self to perform it.  Or, you can give God your inabilities and rely on him to do the supernatural through you. 
 
Supporting Texts
 
 
So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (2 Cor. 12:9 NIV)
 
… but I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses. (2 Cor. 12:5 NIV)