"Challenging times have served as catalysts for creativity, innovation, and accomplishment throughout human history.
Yet when times grow tough and things aren't going our way, it's tempting to just hunker down.
Thoughts of increase and moving forward are put on hold.
News reports of a sinking economy or personal problems of our own can tempt us to think: If I can just hold on, maybe I can make it through another day, another month, another year.
If we're not careful, we develop this survival mentality.
We stop releasing our faith.
We stop believing we can rise any higher.
We just try to maintain the status quo, to keep our heads above water, to break even.
But we're not supposed to break even.
We're supposed to break through to a new level, to more of God's favor, to increase, to promotion.
I've known people who have been through tough times— maybe a relationship didn't work out, or they experienced some kind of disappointment— and even though things improved, they never stopped thinking of themselves as survivors.
I saw a guy wearing a T-shirt that said, "I survived Hurricane Katrina." I wanted to congratulate him for surviving one of history's worst storms, but then I wanted to tell him that you can't stay in survival mode.
You can't always be the victim: I just have to hold on.
No, you are not just a survivor.
You are more than a conqueror.
I realize some seasons are more difficult. Not every season is harvest.
Sometimes we go through trying times where it seems like things are drying up and getting a little more challenging.
Part of the problem is that we've heard so many stories about victims and survivors. Yet there are conquerors in every situation.
A scripture in Jeremiah says if we'll give the Lord our trust and confidence, God will prosper us even in the desert.
He'll prosper us even in difficult times.
That means when others are going under, God says you will go over.
When other people are losing clients and business is slow, God is bringing you new clients.
When companies are laying off employees, God is opening up supernatural doors for you.
When others are pulling back, worried and afraid, you are pushing forward in faith, believing, expecting good things.
That is what it means to have a thriving mentality.
Deep down we know that even when we're in the desert, even when things are slow financially, even when we get a negative report, God is still on the throne.
Our job is not our source.
The economy is not our source.
We know God is our source.
It's time for favor.
In one sense, it doesn't really matter what the stock market does or doesn't do. It doesn't matter how high the price of gas goes.
God always has the final say.
If hard times hit, God can still bless you in a greater way.
"I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging bread," David says in the Psalms. And Matthew 6: 33 promises that if you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all essential things "shall be added unto you."
Still, sometimes we get talked into thinking like survivors.
We see so many negative news reports, we begin to worry: It's so bad. How will I make it?
No. I want to talk you into thriving and not just surviving.
I realize we need to be wise and use the wisdom God has given us, but I don't believe you are supposed to pull back and not pursue your dreams, not expect increase, not believe in favor, or just try to hold on.
That is a survival mentality.
Times may become difficult.
You may wonder how things will work out.
But remember this: As God took the five loaves and the two fish and multiplied them to feed thousands of people, He can multiply what you have. God can multiply your time and help you to get more done.
He can multiply your wisdom and help you make better decisions.
He can multiply your finances so your money goes further.
God is in complete control.
When tough times hit, don't hunker down and think: Oh, it's so bad. I just have to hold on and try to make it through.
No, dig in your heels and say: "I will not just survive. I will thrive. I will prosper in spite of this difficulty."
- J. Osteen
Stay Strong!
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