Mediocre Won't Do

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) – “ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

      In speaking with a friend the other day, we discussed how we need to start dreaming bigger.  In our simple human frailty, anything that we can fathom and then come up with the ways and means to get it done, really isn’t worth wasting a lot of time pursuing.  We are of the mindset that we want to extend our faith to challenge the promises of God given through the words found in today’s scripture.  It states that God has a predetermined set of goals for us.  He isn’t just leading us rough-shod through life with minute by minute emotionally-guided directions.

     Know that he had long thought-out and designed the plans he has for us.  And those plans are great plans for our benefit and his glory.  We are not operating with a road map with a hole in the middle of the page or a compass with a broken spring.  No, if we are wise, we are following the path laid out for us by a creative and loving God.  In these plans he tells us that we will have great benefits and that no harm is to befall us.  Yes, we will have challenges and yes, there will probably be some uphill battles and some downward slippery slopes; but all of that is a part of the process. 

     The key element I want to share with you today is that …these are God’s plans.  So we need to open our minds and clear out the limitations.  We need to think big and far-reaching. If we can get there on our own, what is the need for a miracle-working God?  God wants to show us his magnificent glory; bathe us in his awesome love; support us with his unyielding favor and provide for us with the splendor and majesty of his kingdom.  He cannot give us Kobe steak, Beluga caviar, truffles and exquisite fine dining accompaniments when we are searching for a simple prize in a box of Cracker Jacks.  We must dream big to live big.  And this living is not for the simple sake of material possessions; but to glorify the God who has everything.  How does it look to have the King’s children in pauper’s attire?  God wants us to be the royalty for which Jesus sacrificed himself to make us joint heirs. Now is not the time to be bound and boxed.  Now is the time to think like our God thinks…. Think BIG!! Go for it and watch as God puts the things you need in your path; the people you need in your presence and the advice you need in your ear. 

     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Don’t be distracted – stay on your purpose! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn