REFERENCE BIBLE VERSES
2 Corinthians 5:5 | He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee (ESV)
Ephesians 2:10 | For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (ESV)
OBJECTIVE
To understand that we should not settle with less than what God has in store for us.
CONTENT
EXCELLENCE OR MEDIOCRITY
- As Christians, we are taught to be grateful in every season. However, when life doesn’t go as planned—when things are delayed or dreams seem distant—it’s easy to settle and think, “Maybe this is as good as it gets.” But the truth is: God has called us to a life of excellence, not mediocrity.
- The word mediocre literally means “halfway up the mountain.” It describes someone who hasn’t failed—but also hasn’t fully succeeded. They’re stuck in the middle. Unfortunately, that’s where many people live: not completely defeated, but not truly thriving either.
- We get used to where we are. Life becomes busy, complicated, or comfortable. The vision and passion we once had started to fade. Instead of pushing forward, we settle. But Scripture challenges us to stir ourselves up again—to pursue every part of the beautiful plan God has designed for our lives.
- “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
- Just because you don’t see the harvest yet doesn’t mean it isn’t coming. Between the seed and the harvest is the process—and God uses the process to grow your character, faith, and endurance.
- Anyone can settle for halfway. But imagine what could change in your life if you decided to give your utmost—in your relationships, your calling, your career, your walk with God.
- Giving your utmost means offering the best of your heart, your strength, your focus—even when it's not easy. God doesn’t bless laziness or apathy. He honors those who show up with faith, discipline, and consistency.
TRUSTING GOD’S PROVISIONS
- “And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron... ‘Would that we had died in Egypt! ...Why is the Lord bringing us into this land to fall by the sword?’ ...And they said to one another, ‘Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt.’” – Numbers 14:2–4 (ESV)
- The Israelites had been delivered from slavery after 400 years. But when the journey got hard—when the promise was delayed—they wanted to go back to what was familiar, even if it was bondage.
- That’s what settling often looks like. Like them, we can choose comfort over calling, familiarity over freedom, survival over significance. But God didn’t rescue you just for you to turn back. He brought you out to bring you into something greater.
- In your own life, there may be “tunnels”—dark, uncomfortable seasons that tempt you to quit or retreat. But keep walking. Don’t run back to the light behind you—press through until you step into the light ahead.
- “He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” – 2 Corinthians 5:5 (ESV)
- God has deposited His Spirit in us to remind us that there is more. His Spirit stirs us to pursue the things of heaven and to live lives that reflect His glory.
- Your current situation is not your final destination. If what you’re living doesn't reflect what God has promised, keep believing, keep building, and keep walking.
- “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
- God handcrafted you with purpose. He already planned out good works and beautiful things for you to walk in. But you won’t walk in them by accident—it takes faith, obedience, and intentional pursuit.
- Some of the greatest blessings in your life will require the greatest effort. But it will be worth it. When you give your best, God adds His grace. He will do what you cannot do.
REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What lesson have you learned during a time of delay in your life? How can you apply that lesson to the pursuit of your dream?
- How has God shown you in the past that he is faithful? Remind yourself of those experiences when you start to doubt his faithfulness in your delay
REFERENCES