Are You Thriving? Or Are You Only surviving? | Bible Studies, other

Have you ever felt that your life doesn't look anything like you imagined it would be. It doesn't look anything like the feeds of people you follow on Instagram. That your life doesn't feel as though it is a full life?

You may even think that if and when you hit some "bumps" in the road, that you have a life full of nothing but hurt.

Maybe, your life really does occupy some scary and hurtful experiences. 

But, I have a secret to tell you!

That feeling you have, that feeling that your life is not as full as you expect or want...

that is normal. 

I know what your thinking. 

Your thinking I don't understand the hurt you have.

Everyone experiences "low points", or scary times in life. 

Facing life's struggles can often feel like we are drowning. Like are we are being smothered by whatever our current struggle may be. Health diagnoses, miscarriages, infertility, bills, expensive vehicle problems, suffering marriages... you name it. 

These struggles make us feel like we are only surviving life. 

Once again, we all have been there. If we have not been there, we will be at one point or another. 

Me, you, that girl you follow on Instagram that has the cutest IG feed... we all have experienced our own hurt, pain, suffering. 

The difference in some of us, is how we allow these experiences to shape us, as people, as parents, as spouses, and so on. 
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God's Promise To You!

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 10:10
I need you to know, and to be reminded of this right now.

God promises you the chance to have a full and abundant life.

This life is available to you, to me, to everyone. It doesn't matter your age, your color, your wealth, gender, level of faith.. you get the point.

Another thing you need to know, is that there are no contingencies to this full life; no hidden requirements, no deadlines. 

This life He has promised you, it is yours, you just have to ask for it and follow His commands. 

God made it possible for you to choose to thrive or survive. 

Like that old "Hannah Montana" song, "Life's What You Make It, So Let's Make it Right!"... Don't know that one? That's okay!  

But, you get the idea. This life is what you make it. 

You can choose to be the victim of this life and merely survive, or you can choose to thrive off of your life, your experiences.

​You can choose to wallow in your hurt, or you can choose to find the "rubies" (the good) in the rubble. 
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Are you Thriving or surviving?

How do you know if you are a survivor or a thriver?

First, lets look at the differences in those words. 

To thrive, means to grow, or to develop well or vigorously. 

To survive, means that you are just continuing to live or exist. That is it. 

If you are thriving, or want to be, you would be working through your hardships to be a better person, spouse, parent, and more. 

Surviving, is almost like you are letting your circumstances bulldoze you. Taking everything out of you. Taking your "fight". 

The difference in the two can come down to one simple thing...

action. 

Whether actions are mental or physical, take control over your life. 
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He Meets You Where You Are...

The amazing thing with God, is that He meets you where you are in life and your faith. 

He doesn't require you to do this and that, before He comes to your aid. 

He will take you by the hand, remind you that He came so that you could have an abundant life, so you could thrive. 

He does want you to rely on Him, rest on Him, thrive in your studying and praying with Him. 

He can and will walk your life right with you. He will take that same hand, and tell you, "Let Me guide you through this pain, let Me take away your worry. Rest in Me, child of mine, rest in Me."

Your life is not going to be pain-free, but it can still be full. You can work through your struggles, you can grow through these struggles. You can change your life. You have purpose in your life. 
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Which one are you? Are a thriving individual? Or are you only surviving this life? Is your life abundantly full?