I believe that God’s ultimate desire for us is to thrive.
I LOVE the definition of the word thrive on the Merriam-Webster online dictionary:
THRIVE:
1: to grow vigorously : FLOURISH
2 : to gain in wealth or possessions : PROSPER
3 : to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances.
And in the Bible, I doubt there could be a more comprehensive God-definition of “thrive” and His heart’s desire for us than as found Ephesians 3:20,21
Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.
God’s dreams for us are even greater than any of the biggest dreams we may have for ourselves!
I think that all too often we limit ourselves, and God! Especially as we get older.
It’s time to recapture the dreams of our youth.
It’s time to grab hold, by faith, to the dreams that God puts in our heart.
Those are the dreams He wants to fulfill in our lives–the ones that just won’t let go.
And they will always be dreams based on His love for His people and creation.
Look at the promises of God for those who follow Him…
…you thrill to GOD’s Word,
you chew on Scripture day and night.
You’re a tree replanted in Eden,
bearing fresh fruit every month,
Never dropping a leaf,
always in blossom. Proverbs 1:2,3 The Message Bible
Blooming! Fresh blooms! Never dropping a leaf. Always in blossom!
Oh, let’s stir up our faith to believe once again in the goodness of God for His beloved children.
“The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.” -Psalm 145:9
Wilderness and desert will sing joyously,
the badlands will celebrate and flower—
Like the crocus in spring, bursting into blossom,
a symphony of song and color.
Mountain glories of Lebanon—a gift.
Awesome Carmel, stunning Sharon—gifts.
GOD’s resplendent glory, fully on display.
GOD awesome, GOD majestic. Isaiah 35:1,2 The Message (MSG)
HALLELUJAH!
It’s time to BLOOM!
It’s time to THRIVE!
THRIVE Casting Crowns
Here in this worn and weary land
Where many a dream has died
Like a tree planted by the water
We never will run dry
So living water flowing through
God we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls
With one desire
Just to know You and make You known
We lift Your name on High
Shine like the sun, make darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more
Than ordinary lives
It’s time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
Into Your word we’re digging deep
To know our Father’s heart
Into the world we’re reaching out
To show them who You are
So living water flowing through
God we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls
With one desire
Just to know You and to make You known
We lift Your name on High
Shine like the sun made darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more
Than ordinary lives
It’s time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable,
Love unstoppable, anything is possible
Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable,
Love unstoppable, anything is possible
Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable,
Love unstoppable, anything is possible
Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable,
Love unstoppable, anything is possible
Just to know You and to make You known
We lift Your name on High
Shine like the sun made darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more
Than ordinary lives
It’s time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
MADE FOR MORE Ginny Owens
You take your place in the shadows
Play your part, hide your heart, so that nobody knows
All the secrets that you hold
Memories and broken dreams from a story left untold
You know all the right answers, but they do you no good
‘Cause you believe all the whispers, I wish you understood
You were made for more than breathing
More than playing small and running scared
You were made to walk in freedom
To love and laugh, to find out why you’re here
Your name was known before the earth was formed
You were made for more
You’ve tried to fight through the darkness
Lost your nerve, vision blurred by the tears you were crying
But it’s time to start dreaming of what life could be
C’mon lose yourself in the bigger mystery
You were made for more than breathing
More than playing small and running scared
You were made to walk in freedom
To love and laugh, to find out why you’re here
Your name was known before the earth was formed
You were made for more
So face your giants
Oh slay Goliath
Armies of angels fight
Fight for you to win
And trust the One who
Who longs to free you
The Author of adventure waits
To take you by the hand
You were made for more
Your name was known before the earth was formed
You were made for more….
END LINKED BORN TO BLOOM SERIES. (THERE ARE MORE RANDOM ONES IN THIS SERIES TO READ.)