Settling is Never Part of God’s Best!

“The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what’s ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we’ll never settle for less.” 2 Corinthians 5:5 MSG

If you have a teenager, then you can probably relate to what happened to me last week. My 13-year-old daughter decided to inform me that she needed an outfit for her winter school concert. Which, normally, wouldn’t be an issue if it hadn’t been the same day of her concert! Surprisingly, I didn’t get upset or frustrated. Instead, I adjusted my day to make sure I had time to get to the mall. Thankfully, I also had an old department store gift card with a little over $8.00 left on it. But before I left for the mall, I started talking to God.

It’s Christmas time, so our budget was already tight with gifts and holiday events! Well, I started declaring favor and discounted prices. My daughter was hoping for a dress & the attire was formal, black or dark colors. I walked through the store & spotted a cute little black dress. It was $29, which would’ve been $21 with my gift card. It was cute, but I wasn’t moved by it. After a few minutes of browsing, I walked over to the register when, suddenly, I felt led towards the “Last Call” section. That’s when I saw it! The same designer dress but in a navy blue. It was even more gorgeous in that color!

The price tag still said $29, but this time I decided to ask the cashier if there was any additional discounts since it was in the “Last Call” section. Can I tell you what she said? She kindly apologized and said they couldn’t discount the dress any further…it was only $8.96. I slowly began to take the dress back from her when I did a double take, “I’m sorry, what?” And, again, the disappointed tone of her voice said, “It’s $8.96, we can’t discount it further.” My excitement arose and I quickly replied that I’d take the dress. And, in case you’re wondering – yes, I used the gift card, too! No shame here, I know this was nothing but God!

It’s not that the other dress was too expensive. I could’ve easily paid the $21, which is a great price for a beautiful dress! But why settle? I have no doubts that God led me to the other section to keep looking! Not because the other dress would’ve broken the bank, but because He had something so much better in mind! God had a gorgeous dress in the perfect size and a color that looked amazing on my little girl…on His little girl! That’s the revelation I got. Too often, we settle for what we think is “good enough”. But God has so much more, if we just keep looking and refuse to settle! Beloved, God is utterly concerned with all that concerns you, and settling is never part of His best for you!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of another day and week! Thank You, Lord, for the amazing gift of life and Your presence in it. Lord, thank You for favor in my life. I declare favor follows me and surrounds me as a shield. Father, thank You for going with me everywhere I go and for those You’ve assigned to help me. I declare they are free to do so today. Holy Spirit, give me an ear to hear You clearly and seek You in every decision I make so that it always works in my favor. Thank You that I am blessed in the country and blessed in the city, blessed coming in and blessed going out. No matter what I face, I will not settle. I know You, Lord, are concerned with everything that concerns me and You are perfecting and protecting all of it. I speak favor into my week, into my workplace, and into my personal life. And, I give You all the glory, honor and praise in Jesus’ name. Amen.