Made for More: How Your Choices Shape Your Life

Have you ever looked at someone else's life and wondered, "What do they have that I don't?" Maybe they seem to have a thriving marriage while yours feels disconnected. Perhaps they enjoy financial freedom while you struggle to make ends meet. The difference between a life that's merely surviving and one that's truly thriving isn't about privilege, intelligence, or luck. It's about something much simpler yet profoundly powerful.

The One Thing That Changes Everything

The key difference between those living their best lives and those feeling stuck comes down to one fundamental factor: your choices. It sounds incredibly simple, and you've probably heard it before, but don't underestimate its power.

Here's the truth worth remembering: We make our choices, and then our choices make us.

This isn't just about religion or following rules. It's about living in the freedom Jesus offers and experiencing real transformation that leads to more hope, faith, love, and impossible experiences with God.

Why Do Some Christians Thrive While Others Don't?

If you've accepted Jesus as your Savior, that's the most important choice you'll ever make. But there are Christians living amazingly fulfilled lives and Christians who aren't. What's the difference?

The difference lies in what we do with the responsibility God has given us. While we don't get to choose what happens to us, we always get to choose how we respond. This is our superpower.

God gives us wisdom, opens doors, shows us His will, and brings people to help us along the way. But He won't force us to walk through those doors. The choice is always ours.

The Trap of Good Intentions

Too many people live at the edge of breakthrough but never take the next step to actually get through it. They want to be generous, faithful, and impactful, but they stop short at intention.

Intentions without actions are like standing on the riverbank, seeing where you want to go, but never stepping into the water to cross. It's choices, not intentions, that carry us forward.

As Proverbs 2:11 tells us: "Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe."

Understanding Your Calling

In Ephesians 4, Paul reminds us that because of God's grace, love, and calling on our lives, we should live in a way that honors that calling. This isn't about trying to impress God or earn His love - we know salvation is a gift we receive by faith.

But once you receive that gift, it comes with a purpose. With salvation comes calling.

If you're a follower of Jesus, you have a calling on your life. This isn't just for pastors and missionaries - it's for you. You are created on purpose, for a purpose.

What Does Living Out Your Calling Look Like?

According to Ephesians 4:11-14, God has gifted certain people (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) with the responsibility to equip God's people to do His work and build up the church.

This reveals something profound: we are all ministers. Your calling is as important as anyone else's. The pastor's job isn't to do all the ministry but to equip you to fulfill your ministry calling.

Ministry is using your time, talents, and resources to serve God by serving people. You don't need a theological degree or a title. Ministry includes anything done in the name of Jesus, through the love of Jesus, to glorify Jesus.

You can do ministry in your current job, at home, in your community - anywhere. God has called you to ministry and is equipping you for it.

The Journey of Next Steps

The journey toward fulfilling your calling isn't about reaching a final destination. It's about taking the next step, one choice at a time. Some might call this sanctification, discipleship, or spiritual growth, but let's simplify it: it's about next steps.

We're all at different places on this journey, and that's okay. What matters is that we're willing to take whatever next step God is showing us.

The Holy Spirit is working in your life, prompting you toward greater faithfulness. Maybe He's asking you to start something new, give something up, or follow through on a commitment. Whatever it is, focus on that next step rather than worrying about the entire journey.

The Result of Choosing Wisely

As we continue to make wise choices and take next steps in our calling, Paul tells us the result in Ephesians 4:14: "Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth."

We become mature believers, stable and discerning, able to navigate life's challenges with wisdom and confidence.

Life Application

This week, I challenge you to identify and take one next step in your spiritual journey. Don't worry about the entire path - just focus on the next step God is showing you.

Ask yourself:

What is one area where I sense God calling me to grow or change?

What specific choice can I make this week that aligns with God's purpose for my life?

What's holding me back from taking this next step, and how can I overcome it?

Remember, your ability to choose is your superpower. Your past doesn't have to define your future. Whatever happened yesterday can be completely different tomorrow because of Jesus. We make our choices, and then our choices make us.

What choice will you make today?

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