Who doesn’t want to live up to their potential, their ability and capacity to do great and wonderful things? Some people do really great on their own strength and ability. But as far as a human can reach on their own, there are heights we cannot and will not reach without God’s help and leadership in our lives. You may reach far, but you will never reach your full potential until you give God your life and let Him lead.
Look at Paul in the Bible for example. He used to go by the name Saul, and he had a lot to brag about. He had the lineage, he had the education, he had the religious background (Philippians 3:4-6). He was a very zealous man, thinking that he was doing the right thing and doing God a favor by persecuting Christians. He did so well that he was given authority to go even further.
But then God got a hold of his life, and Saul became Paul. Paul didn’t lose his zealous nature. Paul didn’t lose his personality. But his character and his direction changed. God turned Paul’s focus where it should be, and took Paul to new heights and on wide, wonderful adventures. While there was a lot that Paul lost, he would tell you that what he gained is far more worth it and what he lost can’t even be compared (Philippians 3:7-8). He would tell you that he isn’t doing this in his own strength as he once did, he would give God all the credit and glory (Philippians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 2:19; Galatians 2:20 & 6:14). Paul took risks and took the Gospel to many, many people, and did many great things in the name of Jesus, all because he gave God his life. God took Paul to his true potential.