FlourishSample

True Human Design

God is interested in crafting a future for us through his God-sized vision, but we must be wary of “vision-killers” that can seep into this journey and derail us from the promise. Consider the Palm and the Cedar trees; the Date Palm can withstand storms and other unfavorable conditions for years, whereas the Lebanon cedar can grow to a height of 130 feet. Despite being exposed to hot temperatures, they continue to flourish, spreading green canopies amid deserts. We are called to flourish like a Palm and grow like a Cedar! To do so, we must stay true to our human design. Although God gives us the wisdom and clarity to know our unique identity in Him, some things can hamper this understanding. Stepping into the world, we are in this constant hustle for validation and approval; sometimes, making decisions and taking steps that are far removed from our identity. But it is important to recognize that our growth does not lie in the validation and approval of people, but Christ; our potential to flourish is determined in the consistency of us being rooted in Him. When we give in to the patterns of the world, we allow ourselves to be grafted and redesigned by it, strangling our unique identity. 

We will never thrive in our relationship with Jesus if we are dual minded. Grafting and strangling not only stall the growth and fruit-bearing capacity of the Palm and cedar trees, they slowly but surely kill them. Are there some things in your life that you have been tolerant about? Or have you become complacent in your relationship with Jesus? The Palm tree knows the value of pressing through the soil for its water source. It is the constant pushing and seeking that results in fruit-bearing. A complacent mindset robs you of the thrill of seeking God in life’s uncertainties. It is a vision-killer we must not entertain in our lives. We are called to be people in the world, but not of it! Don’t let your weakness, sufferings, or inner battles strangle your true identity in Christ. Your life, skills, and everything you do is meant to reflect God and his heart for humanity. God wants to deal with your challenges, struggles, regrets, and addictions, pruning certain areas of your life to lead you toward flourishing (John 15: 2-3 AMP). Through The Holy Spirit, He constantly reminds us of our position and relationship with Him. Let us allow The Holy Spirit to bring us back to the place where we can thrive in our walk and identity with God.

Reflections

How can we stay planted in God’s word?

Are we ready to identify and deal with the things that are not part of our design or identity?

Can we reflect on the areas in our lives that need God’s pruning?

Take Home Message

Our identity is the ability to reflect the heart of God in every situation.