So often, we live our lives believing that we just have to accept the hand "life" throws at us. We strive to thrive within the realm of what we believe to be the upper limits of our threshold. Based on our knowledge and skill set we determine what seems to be the best we can do for ourselves. Many of us even find comfort and rest as long as we're doing better than the people around us.
We find ourselves seemingly settling. We make the best of what we have and nervously anticipate the moment when the bottom drops from under us. Whenever we are winning we're afraid we will lose it all and when we're down we afraid we're won't ever get back up.
But when I read scripture I don't see God saying settle for where you are. I see scriptures like Jeremiah 29:11 [For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope] or Psalms 37:4 [Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart].
So what's the disconnect?
Why do I experience these situations and not feel as if I'm thriving?
God said to me, it's because I don't live as a kingdom citizen. I read the word and see what the scriptures say but I often don't believe those benefits can apply to me. I hear what God desires for my life, but won't surrender my time to be taught His standards. I want the resources but don't want the discipline. I expected the blessings of a fruitful harvest but neglect to sow in the proper season.
The benefits are ours to have. Even in the natural world, you can't be denied benefits as long as you are an active member of the group. You just present your card information and receive services. But there is also the caveat of the deductible. The deductible is the part that I am responsible for. It's my investment. It's my effort. It's my change of mindset. The deductible shows that both parties have done their part to receive the required services.
Let's begin the process of renewing the way we think and learn the standards of the Kingdom we claim to be part of. It's only then that we can learn how to stop letting life "happen" to us and begin commanding life to happen the way God says it should.