Daily Devo
Survivor or Thriver?
By: Kathie Welch
Friday, May 8, 2026
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
As we read God’s Word, it’s clear He always planned for His children to prosper. But in most cases, the lives of the men God inspired to write the scriptures were filled with trials, tribulations, and hardships. Most of them were persecuted, others were imprisoned, and many of them were killed for obeying God.
While they were alive, the men God used to write our bibles weren’t highly regarded by the world. While they were being persecuted, God inspired them to write verses about hope, blessings, and prosperity. Our world usually equates prosperity with wealth and possessions, but the hope we have isn’t connected to our health, wealth, or circumstances. The prosperity God promises is based on eternal things, and it can only be found in Him.
God says He will provide everything we need according to the riches of His glory (Philippians 4:19). But this doesn’t mean we won't have trouble... Jesus warned His disciples (and us) about a future filled with difficulties, but He also promised to give us His peace when we're troubled (John 16:33). When we surrender our lives to Him, He will get us past life’s obstacles in His strength, not ours. In His Word, God also promises to give Christ followers a full, abundant life (John 10:10). Our Heavenly Father doesn’t want us to just exist; He wants us to THRIVE!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Many verses in God’s Word show us our part—trust God; to not lean on our own understanding, submit to God in everything, etc. When we do our part, God will do His part—He will make our paths straight! Following Jesus doesn’t mean our lives will be problem-free, it means God will help us navigate life’s difficulties. God also tells us to cast our doubts, fears, and discouragement on Him (I Peter 5:7). Then, when we trust God with our "unknowns", He promises to fight for us and lead us to victory!
God’s ways are higher than ours, and so are His thoughts (Isaiah 55: 8-9). In a world that seems to be crumbling, aren’t you glad you have a loving, all-knowing, supremely powerful God? And aren’t you glad He didn't promise you a mundane, ordinary life? Instead, He promised you an abundant life!
Christ follower, walk confidently in God's promises. Don’t be content to just survive—God designed you to THRIVE!