I was reminded of a principle from my physic's class in college. The principle is objects have potential energy. The glass of water that sits on the dinner table has gravitational potential energy. If my child is present at the table then gravitational potential energy becomes evident when they accidentally knock the glass onto the floor.

The glass, by itself, cannot move because of the friction between it and the surface of the table. What is needed is a force to act on the glass to overcome the friction. The overall beginning or starting force is called Excitation force; which fits the description of my children at the dinner table. But there is a force at work within Excitation called the Resistive force. The Resistive force is the amount of force needed to overcome the friction, causing the glass to fall off the table. My wonderful child’s hand or elbow acts as the resistive force on a regular basis.

James states in chapter five verse 17 that “Elijah was a man just like us.” (NIV) This verse reminded me that I have potential energy. Potential to do the will of God in ways I never considered or thought possible. Am I allowing the Excitation force or the Holy Spirit to begin a work in my life? Am I allowing the Resistive force of God’s spirit to help me overcome the friction to reach my potential?

Let us take this one step further. What is the potential we see in our children? Our children have the potential to impact this world with a force never seen before in human history. A Resistive force that gives them the ability to overcome any and all friction that man or life brings against them. Let us take a moment each day and encourage them to know the one true God in word and spirit. Remind each child daily of the hope that God will lead them to their full potential in life.

If you will excuse me, I have to clean up a broken glass that fell off the table.