However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. John 6:37 (NLT) Over the past few days, we’ve been on a series talking about how you can achieve your potential. Today let’s talk about something that keeps many people’s potential locked away: the fear of rejection. When Adam and Eve were in the garden, their relationship with God caused them to walk in confidence and faith. They got their power and ability from God. But when they disconnected from God, they discovered rejection and fear. When God came looking for them in the garden, He called for them, but they didn’t answer. They were hiding. They had never before feared rejection from God, and it must have …

…a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:30–31 (NKJV) Most of us have been profoundly impacted by at least one mother figure in our lives. It may have been your own mom, an aunt, a grandmother, or what I call the “Mother Theresas” of life—women who may not have children of their own but have impacted others with their love. Moms often get a raw deal. We blame the mom for an adult child’s hang-ups when the large majority of moms love their kids and do their best to give them what they need. If you have had a painful relationship with an …

This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Matthew 17:5 (NLT) My wife Sally and I have five kids, and an amazing thing took place when each one was born. Before my first child was born, I didn’t think I could ever love anyone else as much as I loved Sally. But the moment I set eyes on that baby girl, it was like my heart doubled in capacity. I didn’t have to share the love I had for Sally with this baby. Sally didn’t suddenly get half as much love as she did before. And when our second child was born, it’s not as if my love were split into thirds. No, my heart expanded each time to love that new …

And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 (NKJV) Matthew 3:13–17 tells the story of Jesus being baptized. As soon as Jesus came out of the water, the heavens opened. God’s Spirit in the form of a dove descended on Jesus, and a voice said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Isn’t it interesting? God didn’t say, “This is My beloved Son. I sure hope He does well.” God said He was pleased with Jesus. But Jesus’ ministry hadn’t even started yet! He hadn’t healed the blind or the lame or walked on water. He hadn’t performed one miracle. Yet God was saying, “This is my Son. …

For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure. Deuteronomy 7:6 (NLT) Have you ever noticed how badly children want approval? When mine were little and they wanted to show me something, they used to jump up and down saying, “Look at me, dad!” Often, I’d just watch them for a second before going back to what I was doing, but they weren’t satisfied unless they had my full attention. Then they’d do something, and as soon as they were done, they’d look back at me expectantly. What were they looking for? Approval. God designed us to need it. Actually, approval is …