Pope, W. (2020). Hidden Potential. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook.

Summary: Written based on the life circumstances and personal attributes of Moses, Pope addresses four issues which have the ability to restrain a follower. These are presented as main topics: failures, fears, frailties, and faults. The writer defines and expands on each topic directly incorporating a focus on how each can create a stumbling block when serving the Lord.

Through biblical sound teaching, Pope illustrates the lies of the enemy and encourages readers to restore their “fractured faith”. She clearly prompts the reader to face the elephant in the room by identifying areas in our lives holding us back from the full potential of God’s plans. Pope delivers the content using Moses’ excuses and downfalls to shed light on the Lord’s continual view, love, and mercy towards His children.

Pope incorporates self-reflection prompts, discussion questions, and real-life stories to transition Moses’ story into a modern-day application lesson for believers. The primary take-away is for readers to comprehend their value and usefulness in God’s eyes despite their personal feelings of worth based on their individual failures, fears, frailties, and faults. Pope sums up the overall message in her own words, “You are a worthwhile possibility to God, full of potential, waiting to be discovered”.

My $.02: Wow! Just the book I needed to propel me forward. There are several areas where God has led me yet, I have hit some roadblocks and lack of confidence. (okay, along with MANY other things!) Do I ever question future potential despite the dreams and vision deep within my heart? Maybe I should just say yes and not reveal how many occurrences a day.    

Pope brought back to mind the failures, fears, frailties, and faults of Moses. I had forgotten several of these regarding his life. Based on many of these areas, the author had a way of prompting me to deal with my own barriers. She reminded me that God remains in control and continues His own purpose regardless of my downfalls and selected setbacks. The book confirmed the issue of me being my own worse enemy in numerous fashions.

I love how Pope defined each term and presented a simple self-reflection question at the beginning of every chapter. It is always refreshing to see an author acknowledge the two sources of help from God: His Holy Word and the Holy Spirit. Throughout the writing, Pope reflects upon scripture and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Her candidness and translucency present an inviting opportunity to lay out all your struggles and excuses before the Lord. The words are offered and communicated with great reverence for God and His love for everyone, “warts and all”.  

Personally, I found so many inspirational statements that my highlighter may be requesting a thirst-quenching vacation ASAP. Let me just share a few with you:

Failure – “God uses every failure to mature our faith.”

Fear – “It is possible to be faithful and fearful at the same time.”

Frailties – “No one is too damaged or unskilled to join God in His work.”

Faults – “You see, we aren’t meant to lead and direct our own lives.”

If you are struggling with letting God lead, afraid of the pathway He has been asking you to take, and/or simply think you don’t have what it takes to carry out the plans of the Lord, find this book. God wants you to hear about the potential you really have if you are willing to be His surrendered servant. He knows you, inside and out, and sees a useful-valuable vessel to advance His kingdom. Stop putting it off—You have an amazing future ahead.

Don’t just take my word for it: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52223634-hidden-potential