An interesting scripture in Luke 14:27–29 reads, “Whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple. Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it? Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish, everyone who sees it will ridicule him.”
Every new level in life requires a corresponding increase in capacity. Jesus Himself reminds us that following Him requires carrying our cross, counting the cost, and being prepared to finish what we start. Without capacity, relevance fades. With capacity, influence grows.
Relevance in the Kingdom and life is not a gift—it is the result of cultivated capacity.
So, what determines your value? Your value in life is not fixed. It is shaped by three things:
- Desirability – How much people long for what you carry.
- Usefulness – How effective you are in solving problems.
- Exchangeability – How much people are willing to trade for the value you bring.
Isaiah 1:19 puts it clearly: “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.”
Why Build Capacity?
You must build capacity to:
- Tap into your hidden potential for destiny fulfilment.
- Impact your world and generation.
- Withstand life’s challenges.
- Secure relevance in the areas God has called you.
Understanding Potential
Your potential is:
- The hidden talents and abilities inside you.
- The strength you have not yet used.
- The accomplishments you are yet to achieve.
Potential is not what you have done but what you can still do. This is why Jesus declared:
“Whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing—and even greater things than these.” (John 14:12)
It is potential that fuels relevance.
What is Capacity?
By definition, capacity is the ability to harness your potential so you can become all that God ordained. It is a strength acquired for results.
Paul understood this: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Capacity is not automatic. It is developed intentionally through discovery, discipline, and deployment.
How Do You Build Capacity?
1. Go to the Source
Discover your life’s blueprint in the Word of God (Hebrews 10:7, Joshua 1:7–8). Scripture is the wellspring where potential is revealed.
- “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the honor of kings is to search it out.” (Proverbs 25:2)
Channels for discovery:
- The Word of God (John 1:1–5)
- Your abilities and giftings (1 Peter 4:10)
- Service (Mark 10:45, 1 Chronicles 28:9)
2. Discover God’s Plan for Your Life
Your destiny was written before you were born (Jeremiah 1:4–9, Jeremiah 29:11). God’s plan is the compass that directs your capacity building.
3. Identify Limiting Factors
Barriers that restrict potential include:
- Ingratitude (Matthew 25:18)
- Laziness (Proverbs 13:4)
- Fear of stepping out
- Blaming others (Genesis 3)
- Satisfaction with past success (Micah 2:10)
Success can be the greatest enemy of future potential.
4. Key Areas to Build Capacity
- Leadership capacity (Exodus 18:21)
- Management capacity – time, money, people, resources (Proverbs 21:20)
- Relational capacity – depth and breadth in human connections
- Structural capacity – systems, planning, organisation
- Spiritual capacity – reliance on the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:6)
Ways to Expand Capacity
- By study (Acts 20:32)
- Through observation
- By association and exposure
- Apprenticeship and mentorship
- Submission (1 Peter 5:6)
- Focus (2 Kings 2:10–12)
- Faithfulness (Proverbs 3:3–4)
- Teachability (Matthew 5:5–6)
Capacity is expandable. With intentional growth, you position yourself for multiplication of grace and peace (2 Peter 1:2).
Conclusion
Capacity for relevance is not optional—it is essential. Without it, potential remains dormant. With it, you unlock influence, impact, and fruitfulness at every level.
Let us not be content with what we have done. Instead, let us rise higher, stretch further, and build deeper. “For those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength… they shall run and not be weary, walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
Thoughts of God