How to Grow Your Capacity
“Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes.” – Isaiah 54:2 (NKJV)
You have a dream but do you have the capacity to handle that dream? The dictionary defines capacity as the amount that something can produce. The ability or power to do, experience, or understand something. Capacity affects every area of your life from your job, to your relationships, to your goals. In Matthew 25, Jesus is telling a parable to his disciples about a man who gave talents to his servants. I used to always think of a talent as a little coin. A talent though was a measure of weight for money. It varied according to country but it would have been a very large sum of money.
“And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.” – Matthew 25:15 (NKJV)
Why were different amounts of talents given to the servants? It says in the scripture, “each according to his own ability.” Their ability or you could say their capacity determined the amount they each received. Let’s look at this practically. Perhaps you are interested in a promotion that would put you in leadership over a large group of people. Have you ever led a small group though? If not, you need to grow your leadership capacity.
As you grow our capacity, you will be able to handle more that God has called you to. Here are three ways to start growing.
Stewardship
In the same parable of the talents, the servants who wisely used the talents they were given were put in charge of more because of their faithful stewardship.
“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’” –Matthew 25:21 (NKJV)
When we steward, what God has already given us we will see increase in our life. This could mean cleaning out your car, making your bed, or spending your money wisely. What has God already given you that you can grow? It might be a talent you have, your business, or even a relationship. God is waiting for our capacity to grow before He gives us more.
Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another vessel.” So the oil ceased. – 2 Kings 4:6 (NKJV)
God provided supernaturally for this widow but He also only gave her what she could handle. The oil flowed for the number of jars she had (her capacity) and when there was no more the oil stopped. Imagine if the oil had of continued running beyond the number of jars she had. It would have created a mess running onto the floor. Her and her sons would have been slipping and sliding all over. God does not give us more than we can handle and this is because of His great kindness towards us.
Habits
Your habits are defining your destiny. Your habits are either helping you get where you want to go or they are hindering you. You can pray for growth in an area for increased finances, opportunities, etc. but will the habits you currently have help you handle and sustain this type of growth? If not, stop praying and take action. Consistency will build momentum. It doesn’t have to be something huge. If you only have five minutes a day to give towards your goal then do five minutes. Just be consistent and don’t quit.
Time
In the Bible, there is a principle called seedtime and harvest.
“For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head.” – Mark 4:28 (NKJV)
You might have a word from God about your future but first you are going to have to see the blade before you see the full thing! This is the law of seedtime and harvest. Growing your capacity just takes time. It might mean starting new habits or investing in more education. It’s not an overnight process.
As we remain faithful, build habits, and are patient we will see results. At my own job, I’ve seen my capacity grow as things that were once challenging now come easily. We never arrive at a point though where we are done growing our capacity. God wants to continually take us to the next level. He has so much in store for us. In what area can you start growing your capacity today?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sharon Stark is the founder and creator of You Are a Creative Force, a blog empowering women to walk in their God-given identity and live out their creative dreams. She enjoys all types of creative outlets including writing, dancing, performing, and public speaking. In 2016, she became a licensed minister through Charis Bible College and currently works as a creative editor telling stories for a world-wide ministry.