Are You Settling for Less?
By: Cindi McMenamin
Bible Reading:
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” - Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
Do you long for something more in your life and yet constantly feel that you shouldn’t?
Whether you're longing for marriage, or for more intimacy in your marriage, or for a child, or for a more fulfilling career, I'm sure you've experienced your share of these well-intentioned remarks:
"At least you have a family that loves you.”
"At least you have a husband."
"At least you already have a child."
"You may not enjoy it, but at least you have a job.”
"Well, at least you're healthy."
"At least you still have…”
"At least you don't suffer with…”
Oh, the sting of well-intentioned remarks. And, oh, the sting of those two guilt-ridden words: "At least..."
So many of us settle for “at least” in our lives. And yet, since God went to such great extremes to show His love for you and me by having His only Son die on the cross for our sins, then certainly He did not intend for us to be content with the bare minimum.
Yes, God's Word says we are to be thankful "in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We are also told from Scripture that "godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6). But God doesn't want our gratitude and contentment to be a form of resignation (like when we say, "I guess I should be happy with this, since it's all I will ever get anyway"). Rather, God wants His children to be full of anticipation for the "more" that He is so capable of giving—to the point that we thank Him ahead of time for all that He is about to do. This God who tells us to be thankful in all things actually raises the bar when we decide to settle for less, or at least what life brings us.
In the New King James Version, Ephesians 3:20 says God is able to do “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” You and I often hear, think, or say the word "at least" in our lives. And yet God's Word says:
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer" (Matthew 21:22).
"Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full" (John 16:24).
"Without faith it is impossible to please Him" (Hebrews 11:6).
Those words, my friend, come from a God who is not stingy, and who doesn't bow out after He's done the bare minimum in your life. He is, instead, the God who says, "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (Matthew 7:11).
Intersecting Faith & Life:
You and I have our reasons for not coming to God and pouring out our hearts. Sometimes it's because we feel guilty about asking God for something. Other times it's because we don't really believe that He would want to bless us, or we feel we don't deserve anything more from Him.
When you and I say, "I don't really deserve any more than I have right now," we are actually correct in our assumption, because God doesn't give us good gifts because we deserve them. He gives us good gifts because He is good and compassionate, wanting to bless His children. Especially when we seek to be obedient and please His heart.
So, what are you settling for? A dating relationship with someone you know is not right for you? A job you tolerate because you don't believe God has something better for you? A diagnosis that appears untreatable? A marriage that is just okay, but not truly glorifying God?
Don't fall into the mindset of saying, "I don't believe God can or will give me anything better," or "I don't deserve more than what I already have." Instead, remember that God can do anything, and He loves to bless His children. He excels in situations that you and I think are hopeless. Don't be reluctant to pour out your heart to Him. Rather than settle for the least in your life, surrender to His best and allow for the possibility that God may want to do "immeasurably more” than all you can ask or imagine—many times with what you already have.
Further Reading:
Psalm 37:4-6
For daily reminders of all God can do in your life and the lives of others, see Cindi’s book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God.
How did today’s devotional speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Crosswalk Devotional discussion.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/fizkes
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Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!
Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
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