Thriving

One of my goals for 2018 is to get closer to God. And God has put the word thrive in my head & this morning I did a devotion all about thriving.I am a huge music junkie & my favorite way to worship and praise is through music. Casting Crowns has a song called "Thrive" and it's wonderful. The Lord made us not just to survive but, to thrive! The definition of thrive is to grow or develop vigorously. Some synonyms are prosper, flourish, blossom, succeed, and bloom. But, here's the thing growth can not happen without change. Whatever change you're going through it may be tough at first. No matter how tough life gets, we always have the Lord and he's with us every step of the way. Surviving is for those that have no hope. As children of God we have hope, we have the good news! There is no reason that you should be holding on to any anxiety, worry, doubt, or fear. Jesus died on the cross so we could cast those things on him.You are meant to live life to it's full content and live abundantly.You also were made to reach out to others, and be the light in the darkness, letting God's love flow through you. Let every thing you do point to God! Proverbs 13:19 says "Souls who follow their hearts thrive; fools bent on evil despise matters of the soul" You will be the best version of yourself when you trust in the Lord and his plan over your own. His plan is so much bigger than we can ever imagine and so much greater than our own. Jeremiah 29:11 says " I know the plans I have for you" announces the Lord. " I want to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for many years to come." This reassures us that God's plan is not going to harm us and his plan gives hope for the future. John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace . In the world ye shall have tribulation but, be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." This my favorite verse because we will have sin in our lives but, because of Jesus dyeing on the cross and conquering the grave we can ask for forgiveness and be saved by his grace.Are you surviving or thriving? That's the question you need to ask yourself and answer honestly. Can you barely make it through the week or do have God with you guiding the way? If you're in survival mode , you don't have to be. God is waiting with open arms. You were made to know God and make him known. Make thrive your life word not survive. When we are rooted in Christ not even the strongest storms can uproot us. When you are rooted in Christ, you will thrive. I challenge y'all to thrive and do more than just survive , live life to it's full potential. Don't miss out on anything that God has in store for you!!! Thank you for taking time out of you're day to read this little something. I love y'all and Jesus loves you!

Love Always, AC