DAY 17 — Knowing and Narrowing

Satisfaction is only found by those created to swim in the ocean depths—by actually swimming in the ocean.

Paul prayed that believers would not just know God’s will, but live it out in a way that produced fruit. This is the recipe for change: moving beyond puddle-splashing into the deeper waters of obedience and contribution.

It begins with knowing.

Are you seeking the Lord for what contribution He would have you make in this season, this year, this neighborhood?

Then comes narrowing.

As you swim deeper, your choices start to change.

• In your habits.
• In your relationships.
• In your entertainment.
• In your speech.
• In how you use your time.

Ocean-swimmers don’t just drift with the tide. They let God sift their priorities so they can focus on what is “vital and excellent.”

Ocean-swimmers look different from puddle-splashers—and that difference won’t always be popular.

Truthfully, swimming deeper can look irresponsible or even foolish to those content in the puddles. You may face criticism, ridicule, or pressure to “stop making others feel bad.” That’s why Paul cherished the few faithful friends who stuck with him—they understood what it meant to leave the puddles behind.

So how do you seek God in the narrowing to discover what contribution He has prepared for you?

• Take inventory. Lay your time, money, and energy before God. Ask Him to sift what is valuable from what is not.
• Develop a decision strategy. Pray specifically. Read Scripture expectantly. Fast when needed. Limit distractions so you can hear clearly.
• Persevere through opposition. Expect doubts, fears, and even well-meaning voices to push back. Go back to prayer, re-read what God has shown you, and keep seeking Him.

Because here’s the good news: God placed the yearning to matter inside of you, and He is faithful to supply what you need to live a profoundly fruitful life.

Drink Deep

Are you settling for puddles when God is calling you to the ocean? Ask Him today to sift your life and show you what is vital and excellent. Then take one step deeper into following His purpose for your life.