The Unwanted FirstsSample

Time to Thrive

Yes, there is a time and season for everything under heaven...including thriving after your loss. You may not see it just yet, but it's coming. Your thriving may only come initially as bits and pieces resembling a thrive. Let your journey take its natural course as you choose to follow after the Holy Spirit in all your unwanted firsts. Rely on His strength and not your own. He can do things we cannot and accomplish very much with our little. Maybe your faith is weak. It's ok! We only need a mustard seed size, praise God! Use it! (Luke 17:6)

I want to encourage you to refuse to wallow and drown in your grief. Elizabeth Elliot once said, "The Floods that come cannot sweep us away from the Everlasting Arms of Jesus!" What a glorious truth we can count on! Maybe you can only hold your chin up, and that's your one strength at the moment. Just hold that chin above the water.

Getting to the "thrive" stage is not only doable; it is something that will change your life forever if you can take your focus, direct it toward the things of God, and tell the devil where to go when he comes knocking trying to sway you into negative thought processes.

Even when you don't "feel like" being positive...aim for it. Be intentional in renewing your mind! (Rom. 12:2)

When you decide to set your mind on the things above, and not on the things surrounding you and trying to consume you...you win!

What are some things you can do to thrive in the current storms of life? Can you intentionally practice some of them to thrive?

• Study God's Word
• Pray continually
• Take a walk
• Sit in the sunshine/SONshine
• Pick up an old hobby or form a new one
• Find someone to serve who cannot pay you back
• Attend God's house with other believers and be discipled
• Read and share devotionals to encourage others
• Call someone/send a card or letter/words of encouragement
• Journal your feelings and thoughts
• Sing
• Sit in silence and listen for God's voice
• PRAISE the Lord!

PRAYER:

God, help me to let go of the whys, to seek You, discover, grow in grace, find my purpose, and thrive in this season that You have placed me in. May You get all the glory and honor. In Jesus's Name, I pray these things, AMEN.