November 14, 2021: Don't Settle

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Eph. 3:20–21, ESV).

We serve a limitless God who can do in us more than we could ever think or imagine. Still, despite my many experiences with the Lord, I continue to live a life governed by scarcity principles. I often don’t want to risk attempting church projects beyond the local church’s budget or perceived talent pool.

It reminds of an experience I had in eighth grade. My uncle, seeing that
I was unmotivated to give my best effort, challenged me with a little incentive. He told me if I got straight A’s in the next grading period, he would buy me a model airplane of my choice. I applied myself, and for the next three months, I became a stellar student. I proudly showed my uncle my report card. As promised, he took me to buy a model plane, but, as we walked into the store, my mind began to wonder: What if he didn’t have enough money to buy the model I wanted? Worried about stretching his budget, I chose a cheaper model. As we left the store, part of me questioned what would have happened if I had picked the model I really wanted instead of settling for something cheaper. I will never know the answer to that question, but the experience stayed with me.

How often do I size the Lord down to what I think I can see or do instead of swinging for the fence?

Lord, help us to live a life of abundance in service as You dwell within us. Amen.

Kosly Joseph was the pastor of the Charlottesville and Harrisonburg churches in Virginia at the time this book was written.