Thrive

So this "thrive" lesson, this "learning to thrive where I am" isn't as easy as I thought it would be. In fact, sometimes I'm convinced it's time to pack up, leave this city, and shake the dust from my feet. How do I thrive in this dry, desolate land, this land where seldom His name is mentioned, this land where Love is rejected? His still, quiet voice whispers the answer, "And you shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of living water. In this drought, you can and will thrive. In this place of desolation, I will sustain you. Your nourishment does not come from the environment that surrounds you, but from the roots you've deeply planted in Me. You don't have to fear; this drought cannot destroy you; these winds cannot topple you. Did I not say that when you are weak, I am strong? Did I not tell you that in all these things, I've made you more than a conqueror? Need I remind you Who I am, how big I am, or what I have done? I did not place you here and then abandon you. I have not forgotten you, and I will not fail you. Not only will you be sustained in this desolate land, but the fruit you produce will become nourishment and life to those around you. Don't grow weary. Don't lose focus. This season is your season to thrive. It's your season to discover new things about who I've created you to be. Someday you'll look back at this dry, desolate land and see how I ordered your steps, how I made the impossible possible, how new life emerged in the midst of death. You weren't created to just survive; I created you to thrive."