If You Settle for This, This Is All You Will Have
Recently, I was studying and reflecting on some insights that God was showing me. During this time, an event from over twenty-five years ago suddenly came to my mind.
I remembered when I had just moved to Cleveland, Tennessee to work for Norvel Hayes Ministries. Since I had relocated from another city, I brought very little furniture with me—just my bed and a bookshelf to hold my books and Bibles. I found a lovely little house to rent from a wonderful couple, but it was quite empty.
I began to pray about furnishing my home. In my prayers, God prompted me to create a very specific list of what I wanted. I made my list and prayed over it daily.
After a couple of weeks, someone called to let me know they had furniture available for me to look at. I went to see it, and as I stood there, I thought, "Well, it's not what I wanted or what was on my list, but at least it would be something." In that moment, God spoke to me and said, "If you settle for this, this is all you will have—nothing more than what you settle for."
I thanked them for their time and told them it wasn't what I was looking for. I drove back home to my empty house and waited for the provision I had prayed for. I waited and waited. For about two months, I waited in my empty house.
Not Just Everything You Wish For, but Everything You Desire
One day, a couple who was leaving the ministry to move back to their home city called me. They told me they had furniture available and invited me to come and take a look. They mentioned that they had a whole house full of furniture. When I arrived at their home, they explained that God had impressed upon them to call me and offer this furniture as a gift. I was absolutely astounded. (Photo via Unsplash)
Everything on my list was there. It was exactly what I needed. Not only was what I needed there, but the things I desired were there as well. They were the same colors and the same types of wood; nothing was missing. This wonderful couple arranged for college students to deliver the furniture and set it up for me. In just one day, my house was filled with everything I had wished for. I was so grateful that I hadn't settled for something lesser, but had waited for what God had planned for me.
It would have been so easy to simply grab whatever was available to fill the space, given that I needed furniture. However, I held out, and that experience taught me a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my adult life.
God has provided so many wonderful blessings for us, yet, sadly, few of us fully embrace what He offers. Many of us settle for less in various aspects of our lives.
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)
Receiving Gifts Already Given with Intention and Effort
God has wonderful gifts in store for us, but it ultimately falls upon us to strive for everything He has promised and to not accept anything less. Among these incredible gifts is the promise of healing. It is important to recognize that God has already made provisions for our healing; it is available to us if we choose to embrace it fully.
"He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." (Psalm 107:20)
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)
Healing is a gift that has already been bestowed upon us, yet how many of us truly embrace and experience that divine, supernatural healing in our daily lives? This precious gift was fully secured at the Cross, a testament to love and sacrifice. However, claiming it isn't simply a matter of acknowledgment; it requires intention and effort.
To walk in this healing, we must immerse ourselves in the Word of God, allowing its truths about health and restoration to saturate our hearts and minds. Each day, it is essential to declare and confess healing over our bodies, speaking life and wellness into our circumstances. We are called to stand firm on His promises, unwavering, even when faced with challenges or contrary evidence. This journey is not just about receiving healing but actively participating in the healing process through faith and perseverance. (Photo via Unsplash)
Actively Taking Hold of His Promises
Another promise is this: God has removed lack from our lives.
"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8)
"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
"The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing." (Psalm 34:10)
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9)
Yes, God has provided everything we need; it is up to us to embrace it. He has completed His work; it was finished at the Cross. We must actively pursue His promises and take hold of them. I understand that this is not easy, but it is possible. The blessings are already ours! The only thing that can hold us back from fully experiencing them is ourselves.
I believe this message is meant for someone in particular. I sense that God is saying to you, "Do not settle for less than what I have in store for you." If this resonates with you, I pray that this message will ignite a fire within you, empowering you to stand firm in all that God has for you, and that you would accept nothing less.
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Kim Potter
A New Thing Ministries
Email: Kim@anewthingministries.com
Website: www.anewthingministries.com
Kim Potter is the founder of A New Thing Ministries, which sends a daily teaching to over 10,000 people all around the world. Her articles have appeared on The Elijah List, Charisma, Spirit Fuel and iBelieve.com. Kim's message is one of hope. She speaks to the heart of those who have grown discouraged and disappointed by the circumstances of life and imparts the desire and ability to stand against all odds; to stand for victory. She encourages people to press into God and discover that He is who He says He is.
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