Occasionally, I wonder how my life may have been different had I taken my parent’s advice. They never said outright, “Don’t settle for less than the best,” but it was obvious they didn’t want me to. I hated school, but they encouraged me to do my best. I had no intentions of attending college, but they goaded me toward it. They even notified me I was, but I showed them I could do what I wanted when I reached eighteen. So I settled…at least for a while, for less than the best. It took a few hard knocks before God was able to re-direct me toward the best rather than the less.
God’s people of old could also experience the best if they’d only obey. There they will lie down in pleasant places and feed in the lush pastures of the hills. I myself will tend my sheep and give them a place to lie down in peace, says the Sovereign LORD. (Ezekiel 34:14-15 NLT)
Like everyone else, I’m a unique creation of God. Since God doesn’t waste his time, my existence is proof I’m important to him and others. So important that he would send his only Son to die for my sins. So important that he would allow him to writhe in agony for the forgiveness of my sins.
God has a plan for my life, and his plan is always better than any I could conceive. If I ask, he’ll reveal it. Through his Word, others, and circumstances, I can unearth his plan. Then it’s up to me to pursue it by employing the gifts and talents I’ve been handed. Like the servants in Jesus’ parable of the talents, I can either bury God’s plan or realize it in all its fullness. The choice is mine.
Are you settling for less than God’s best for you?
Prayer: Father above, give us the ability to see ourselves as You do and then to reach for Your best in our lives.
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