Over the weekend, I was studying and pondering some things God was showing me. As I did, an event that happened to me over twenty-five years ago suddenly flashed through my mind.
I had just moved to Cleveland, Tennessee to work for Norvel Hayes Ministries. Because I moved from another city, I took very little with me as far as furniture goes. I only had my bed and a bookshelf to hold my books and bibles. I found a lovely little house that I rented from a wonderful couple. As nice as it was, it was empty.
I began to pray about my furnishings. In doing so, God had me make a list, a very specific list of what I wanted in my home. I made my list and prayed over that list daily.
After a couple weeks, someone called me and said they had some furnishings if I wanted to come look at them. I did. As I stood there looking at them, I thought, “well, it’s not what I wanted or what is on my list, but it would at least be something.” In that moment, God spoke to me and said, “If you settle for this, this is what you will have and nothing more than what you settle for.” I thanked them and told them it wasn’t what I was looking for. I drove back home to my empty house and waited for the provision I had prayed for…and I waited and waited. For about two months, I waited, with an empty house.
One day, a couple who was leaving the ministry to move back to their city called me. They told me they had furniture if I wanted to come take a look. A whole house full, they said. I went to their house to look. They explained to me that God had impressed them to call me and offer me this house full of furniture as a gift. I was astounded to say the least. Every single thing on my list was there. The same colors, the same woods, everything – nothing was missing. This wonderful couple had college students deliver the furniture and set it up and in one day, my house was full of everything on my list. I was so thankful I didn’t settle but waited for what God had for me.
It would have been so easy for me to settle for something to fill the space simply because I needed furniture – but I didn’t and that event taught me a lesson that has stayed with me all my adult life.
God has provided so many wonderful things for us. Sadly, few of us ever walk in all He has provided. Most of us settle for less in many areas.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
God has good things for us; however, it is up to us to refuse to settle for less than what He has for us.
One of those things are healing. God has already provided healing for us.
He sent His word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions. Ps 107:20
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Is 53:5
Healing already belongs to us but how many of us are walking in that divine, supernatural healing daily? Yes, it belongs to us – it was paid in full at the cross – but it doesn’t come easily. It will come by filling your heart and mind with the Word of God concerning healing. By confessing healing over your body daily and by standing on His Word regardless of what circumstances say.
Another promise we have is this; God has removed lack from our lives.
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Cor 9:8
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Ps 34:10
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. 2 Cor 8:9
Yes, God has provided all we need – it is up to us to walk in it. He has done all He is going to do – it was finished at the cross. We must pursue His promises and lay hold of them. Again, I know it is not easy. But it is possible. It is already ours! Nothing can stop us from walking in it but us.
I believe this message today is for someone. I further believe God is saying to you, “Do not settle for less than what I (GOD) have for you.” If that is you, I pray this writing ignites something in you that will empower you to stand firm in all God has for you and nothing, absolutely nothing less.
