If your vehicle has ever been stuck in a rut, you know how frustrating it can be. You move a few feet forward then slip back again. All the while, mud, snow or both are flying all over the place. After a lot of  energy, you end up where you started.

Sometimes, life is no different. We can get caught up in the same old pattern of living which ultimately robs us of all God has planned for our lives.

After years of frustration and despair, many throw in the towel and settle for something far less than God has planned for us. Some may give up on a career, a marriage – even their faith in God.God never intended for us to live in a rut. Rather, Jesus said in John 10:10 “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”.

If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, there is hope. With God’s help, all of us can discover a new pattern of living that can set us free from the ruts that confine our potential and rob us of joy.

Principle: Don’t let limits limit you – don’t let what you can’t do interfere with what you can

Here are some questions that can help you live out of the rut.

1.   Are you living out God’s potential in your life?

2.   What are the obstacles in your life keeping you from experiencing your potential?

3.   What must you give up or add in your life to experience all God has intended for you?

4.   What is your next step?

Don’t hold back! Don’t quit! Go for it!

Many of us today are just like that eagle. We have an inner sense that life should be more exciting, our work more satisfying and our relationships more fulfilling. Without really noticing how it happened, we begin to view our circumstances as cages keeping us from true happiness: If only I had a better job. If only I could break this addiction. If only I had more money. If only I was single (or married, or married to someone else).

After years of frustration and despair in our cage of circumstances, many have given up—on marriage, career, family, life, and sometimes even faith. Hating our job is normal. Accumulating stuff is normal. Being bored in church is normal. Marriage without true intimacy is just normal. Destructive behavior is normal. Divorce is normal. The “absent father” is normal.

But do you know what the scariest part is? When normal becomes succeeding at what does not truly matter.

Jeremiah 29:11 tells us “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’”

Sad to say many people today are settling for “Lesser Yeses” instead of God’s “Yes!”

The eagle in the zoo had no choice but to be resigned to his condition, his cage, and his branch. We have a choice. Are you ready to fly? It is time to rise up like eagles to our God-given potential!

Questions:

1. Is there a lesser yes (an if only), stealing your potential and destiny?
2. When you read Jeremiah 29:11, what are your first thoughts?
3. If I had unlimited resources and complete freedom to fail, what would I attempt for God?

Imagine the possibilities!