IncreaseSample

When the Order Is Right

I’ll never forget the excitement and nervousness I felt as a soon-to-be mom for the first time. My husband and I sat for hours on the floor of Barnes & Noble, flipping through baby name books, searching for the perfect name for our little girl. We dreamed about who she would become, what she would look like, her first words, etc. A life full of promise and purpose.

That season taught me something about alignment. As expectant parents, we wanted everything to be just right, not just the name, but the home, the nursery, the heart behind it all. We wanted to prepare, pray, and trust God with every detail of our families' lives. We wanted to get the order right!

Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33 remind us of that same truth: when the order is right, the outcome takes care of itself. He said, “Seek first the kingdom of God.” Not second, not when it’s convenient, not after we’ve tried everything else first.

In a world where it’s easy to chase after increase, success, or stability, Jesus reminds us that true increase begins with alignment. When we put God first in our decisions, our schedules, our families, and our prayers—everything else falls into place.

Looking back now, that tiny baby we prayed and planned for has grown into a beautiful young woman of God. And not long after, God blessed us again with our son—full of curiosity, joy, compassion, and a heart that’s committed to following Jesus. Watching both of them grow into who God created them to be has been one of the greatest blessings of our lives. It’s a living reminder that when we choose to seek God first and build our lives around His priorities, He takes care of what matters most.

The “Year of Increase” isn’t just about getting more. It’s about growing deeper. It’s about expanding our faith, maturing in our trust, and learning to depend on God before depending on ourselves. I’ve learned that increase doesn’t start with striving; it starts with seeking. Increase doesn’t come from what I can do; it comes from who I pursue.

When prayer becomes our first response rather than our last resort, everything shifts. It aligns our hearts with God’s will. It invites His presence to lead, His wisdom to guide, and His hand to bless.

So as we step into this new season, let’s make a fresh commitment to keep God in His rightful place first. When the order is right, the blessings will follow.

Reflection & Application:

1. First Things First: What area of your life have you been trying to manage in your own strength instead of seeking God first?

2. Alignment Check: What might it look like for you to bring that area back into alignment with God’s order?

3. Prayer Habit: What could you do this week to make prayer your first response instead of your last option?

4. Heart for Increase: How is God inviting you to grow, not just in what you have, but in who you are?

5. Faith in Action: What’s one practical way you can live out “seek first the Kingdom” today in your home, your work, or your relationships?

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for reminding me that true increase begins with You. Help me to keep my heart, my family, and my priorities in the right order, seeking You first in all things. Teach me to trust Your timing and Your ways, knowing that when I’m aligned with You, everything else will fall into place. Bless my home, guide my steps, and let Your hand rest on everything I do. In Jesus' name, amen.