Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. -Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. -1 John 3:21-22 (NIV)
For we walk by faith, not by sight. -2 Corinthians 5:7 (NJKV)
“Well, at least I have/can _______ even though I don’t have/can’t _______.”
Aren’t you tired of telling yourself and others “at least” this or that is going right, despite other things that are going wrong? Do you feel like it’s wrong to aspire for more? That maybe that means you’re not grateful for what you’ve got?
I often fall into that trap…to actually chastize myself when I desire more in my life. I would stop myself and think that I was put here in this path to do what I can do with what I’ve been given.
But that’s the trick, because I’m only thinking with my own flesh brain, even though my heart is believing that there is more. And it’s right. We are children of a God who created all things…is greater than all things…and even puts dreams into our hearts that are unattainable–without Him.
Remember Abraham?
Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. -Genesis 18:14
Abram and Sarai could’ve said “at least.” But even though their brains were skeptical of what God promised, their hearts led them to follow in faith.
Abram and Sarai had no reason to think they could have a child. Sarai was too old. But God put dreams of fatherhood and countless children in Abram’s heart…He dubbed Abram “Abraham,” Sarai “Sarah,” and in His perfect will and timing, made those dreams come true. Sarah bore Isaac, and Abraham became the progenitor of countless children.
We may not be of this world, but it sure is easy to forget that when circumstances wear you down and narrow your focus.
We were not put here to live a life of resignation. God didn’t send His Son, His very Word, to become flesh and die as a ransom for our sins, for us to walk in dejection and despair, with painted smiles on our faces. No.
We were made in God’s image. We were made to follow His Son’s walk. We were made to sing His praises in our walk. Our walk is of hope and faith…of greater things the world doesn’t understand.
How can we do that if we live in an “at least” mindset?
God has plans for you. If He has put a dream in your heart for a life beyond what you understand now, believe in it, because that dream He gave you can fuel and inspire you to keep going. That dream is instrumental in His plans to further your life, which is part of His larger plan.
And as odd as it sounds, surrender your dream back to Him in faith and obedience, so He will get the glory when that dream comes true. Pray without ceasing. Confess and repent of the doubt so He can forgive you and lighten your self-imposed burden…so you can run the race light once more, each step and day that much closer to answered prayers and dreams come true.
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