Date: 14-Apr-2024
Name: Nelson Chibwe
Topic: THE POWER OF YET
Content:
A. Growth Mindset / The Power of Yet
· Book: Dr. Carol S. Dweck - “Mindset – Changing the Way You Think to Fulfil Your Potential”.
· Dr Dweck’s research highlights the difference between a fixed mindset (“I can’t do this”) and a growth mindset (“I can’t do this yet”). She notes that abilities and skills can be developed over time through dedication and hard work. The power of yet acknowledges that even if we haven’t achieved something yet, it doesn’t mean we never will – it’s just a matter of time and effort.
· Here are some key principles of a growth mindset:
o Belief in Growth: Individuals with a growth mindset believe that their abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. They view challenges as opportunities to learn and improve.
o Embracing Challenges: People with a growth mindset see challenges and setbacks as part of the learning process. They are willing to step out of their comfort zone to acquire new skills and experiences.
o Value of Effort: Effort is seen as a path to mastery rather than something that diminishes natural talent. Those with a growth mindset understand that sustained effort leads to improvement over time.
o Persistence in the Face of Setbacks: Instead of being discouraged by failure, individuals with a growth mindset use setbacks as motivation to try new strategies and approaches.
o Openness to Criticism: Constructive feedback is welcomed as an opportunity to learn and grow. People with a growth mindset are not defensive about criticism; they use it to refine their skills.
o Success of Others: Instead of feeling threatened by the success of others, individuals with a growth mindset are inspired and motivated by it. They see others' achievements as a source of learning and inspiration.
o Continuous Learning and Improvement: The journey of learning and development is ongoing. People with a growth mindset are focused on continually improving themselves and expanding their abilities.
These principles reflect the idea that our abilities and intelligence are not fixed traits but can be cultivated through effort, learning, and resilience. Adopting a growth mindset can lead to greater motivation, achievement, and fulfillment in both personal and professional pursuits.
Adopting a growth mindset can lead to greater motivation, achievement, and fulfillment in both personal and professional pursuits. We should embrace it / we should work on it / we should apply it.
B. My biblical understanding of this concept!
1. It all STARTS and ENDS with God.
· Jeremiah 1:5 : “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you [and approved of you as My chosen instrument], And before you were born I consecrated you [to Myself as My own]; I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” AMP
· Psalm 139:13-14: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
· Ephesians 2:10: "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
As we do life – in our exploits / let us know and remember it all starts and ends with God.
God knew you – before you were born – he made you – he crafted you – he equipped you – you are his masterpiece. As we have lived our lives, we have at times conformed to the world systems that we have forgotten who we are. The devil has come stolen from us / he has killed part of us/he has destroyed or aimed to destroy us.
· For some of us – he has stolen joy and happiness / for some of us it’s peace.
· For some of us – he has killed our dreams by feeding us with lies that we are not enough / that we are not qualified / that we have nothing to offer. The fear of failure has crippled us to such an extent it is easier to abandon that dream than experience failure.
Let us remember – we are God’s masterpiece / his workmanship – and each of us is a masterpiece / we were not crafted for wholesale / not bulk manufactured – why – because each one of us has a unique spirit, and personality and possesses gifts that have been uniquely wired (to that specific individual).
Prayer Point: Let us acknowledge and thank God for our lives and the unique way that he has created us. Let us thank him for the gifts and talents that he has given us. Let us call to life those gifts, hopes, and dreams that the devil has killed through his lies.
2. It takes FAITH.
· Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”.
· Proverbs 16:3: "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
· Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
· Ephesians 2:10: "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
· 2 Peter 1:3: "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness."
· Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
· Philippians 4:19: "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
· Ephesians 1:3: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ."
· 2 Corinthians 9:8: "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
Activation of God’s calling and gifts in our lives requires FAITH. Committing everything that we do to God takes FAITH. We are invited to commit whatever we do to the Lord, and he will establish our plans. If you recall – in Jeremiah, we are told that God knows the plans he has for us / plans for our good and not evil – plans to give us a future and hope. It’s amazing though, how so many times in our lives we make plans without consulting and/or committing them to God. No wonder why it’s so easy for the Devil to come and plant lies and weeds in our plans.
Committing our lives/plans and all to God is an act of faith and in doing this, we are inviting the master planner to establish those plans. We know that God is more brilliant than we could ever imagine, and because he loves us more than we could ever imagine and we know that he writes great stories, we can therefore trust what he has planned for us from the beginning to the end.
Whilst we may have “our” plans – God has “his” plan, and his plan includes each one of us. He has prepared good things for us to step into – meaningful relationships and impactful work. He continuously puts people and opportunities in our path as well as working inside us, giving us the desire and power to do what pleases him. And because he is our source – when tapped and connected in him, we will lack nothing. We are encouraged that he will meet all our needs according to the riches of His glory in Jesus Christ.
Prayer Point: Let us surrender to our maker, the one who gives beyond measure. If it's faith you need, let’s ask for that, if it’s hope that you need, let's ask for that, if it’s courage you lack, let’s ask for that.
3. It takes ACTION.
· James 2:18: “But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”
· James 1:22 - 25: But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
· James 2:26: “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”
Just as faith is key to sustaining a growth mindset/action is just as important. We are equipped to “do”. We are blessed with gifts and skills; God wants to partner with us to bring his plan to fruition.
I once had a dream of being the President of Zambia / did I take any action towards that dream, NO! The only action I took was to write it on a piece of paper / and I don’t even know where that paper is. Look let’s not limit God – God can do anything / if it’s under his will that I am President of Zambia – he will make it happen / things will happen in such a way that somehow I will end up in Zambia / be part of a party or start one / and then be installed President – however even in that scenario/action was required.
Examples
· Joseph (Genesis 37-50)
o Story Summary: Joseph faced numerous trials—betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, wrongly accused and imprisoned. However, he held onto his faith in God's plan.
o Takeaways:
§ Faithfulness in Adversity: Joseph remained faithful despite setbacks.
§ Perseverance: He never gave up but continued to excel in all circumstances.
§ Divine Timing: His story demonstrates God's perfect timing in fulfilling promises.
§ Forgiveness: Joseph forgave his brothers, exemplifying grace and reconciliation.
§ Vision and Purpose: His dreams eventually came to fruition, illustrating God's sovereign plan.
o Personal Reflection: How can we maintain faith during challenging times, trusting that God's purpose will prevail?
· Moses (Exodus 3-4)
o Story Summary: Moses doubted his ability to lead, but God assured him of His presence and provision.
o Principles/Takeaways:
§ God's Empowerment: God equips those He calls.
§ Overcoming Self-Doubt: Trusting God overcomes personal limitations.
§ Divine Guidance: Following God's guidance leads to remarkable outcomes.
§ Faith in God's Promises: Moses trusted God's promise to deliver His people.
§ Patience in God's Timing: Moses waited for God's timing to fulfill His purposes.
o Personal Reflection: How can we respond when faced with self-doubt, remembering God's enabling presence?
· Abraham (Genesis 12-22)
o Story Summary: Abraham and Sarah received the promise of a son in their old age. Though initially skeptical, they eventually saw the fulfillment.
o Principles/Takeaways:
§ Stepping out in Faith: Abraham obeyed God's call to a new land.
§ Promise Amidst Unlikelihood: God's promises often challenge conventional wisdom.
§ Testing of Faith: Abraham's faith was tested through sacrifice.
§ Generational Blessing: His obedience brought blessings to future generations.
§ Faith Rewarded: God honored Abraham's faith with the birth of Isaac.
o Personal Reflection: How can we trust God's promises even when circumstances seem improbable?
· David (1 Samuel 16-31)
o Story Summary: David faced numerous trials—persecution by Saul, personal failures, and family betrayals. Yet, he remained a man after God's own heart.
o Principles/Takeaways:
§ Courage and Humility: David faced giants with courage and trusted in God's strength.
§ Repentance and Restoration: David's genuine repentance led to restoration.
§ God's Sovereign Choice: Despite human expectations, God chooses the unlikely.
§ Faith in God's Promises: David believed in God's promise of kingship.
§ Endurance: David endured hardships, always looking to God for deliverance.
o Personal Reflection: How can we emulate David's faithfulness and reliance on God, especially during personal challenges?
Upon my reflection on the “Power of Yet” from a biblical lens – I have concluded that the power for our growth in all aspects of our lives lies at the intersection of our faith and action.
Let us remember that it all starts and ends with him/it takes faith – to believe and trust that he has plans for us and that he has equipped us for all that we need to do life. And now that we know and are reminded of whom we are and whom God intended us to be – let us take action. Let us be doers and not just hearers of the word.
Prayer Points:
Prayer Point: Let us acknowledge and thank God for our lives and the unique way that he has created us. Let us thank him for the gifts and talents that he has given us. Let us call to life those gifts, hopes, and dreams that the devil has killed through his lies.
Prayer Point: Let us surrender to our maker, the one who gives beyond measure. If it's faith you need, let’s ask for that, if it’s hope that you need, let's ask for that, if it’s courage you lack, let’s ask for that.
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