Don’t Be Satisfied with the Less

Have you had a situation in which you chose to be satisfied with the less? When did you choose to stop and settle just one step before the breakthrough, or the solution or the right door to open? 

You have struggled, you have tried and finally, you thought that this could be the perfect solution, just to realize some time later that if you have waited a little bit more, if you have been a little bit more patient, the best solution was just one step away?

Satisfied with the Less

Numbers 32 presents us with a similar story.  There we learn about the tribes settling east of the Jordan or the so-called Transjordan tribes: Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

They had large flocks and saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock. (Numbers 32:1) With their natural mind, they decided that this was the best place for them to settle. But this was just a stage in their journey to the Promised Land. This was just one final stop before reaching the place God has designated for them as the best and most suitable. They chose the lesser option. They got satisfied with the less and not the best (God’s perfect choice and will for them).  

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Crossing the Jordan

“Do not make us cross the Jordan.”  (Numbers 32:5) They didn’t want to cross Jordan. The name Jordan in Hebrew means descender or descending. The verb yarad means to go down or descend, either literally down a mountain or figuratively away from a place of prominence.

Crossing Jordan is a process of humbling ourselves, choosing not to be wise in our own eyes. It is the choice of this what God has chosen for us. Often, God chooses things and situations we want to avoid – for example, going through seasons of suffering, grief, hardships, and fiery trials.

Very often our definition of good is different from God’s definition of what is good and beneficial for us. The life of faith is not easy. We need to trust God’s leading and navigate the great adventure called life following Him humbly and faithfully.  

Crossing the Jordan is a process of humbling ourselves, choosing not to be wise in our own eyes, and accepting what God has chosen for us. #humulity #wisdom #BibleStudy Share on X

The Boundaries of Our Life

Though relatively small, the Jordan was still somewhat of a natural barrier, and the inheritance of Judah was the most protected of all the tribes. The northern and Transjordanian tribes were picked off by the Assyrians, while the kingdom of Judah lasted a good century and a half longer until the Babylonians conquered it. God’s perfect will was for all the twelve tribes to be situated entirely west of the Jordan.

This place looked good for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half Manasseh but it lacked natural borders which made it easily accessible for enemy attacks.

We need to remember we don’t see the whole picture and we certainly can’t look into the future. It is better to trust that the boundaries of our life God designates in each season are the best for us. (Psalm 16:6)

It is better to trust that the boundaries of our life God designates in each season are the best for us. #Godswill #encouragement #Biblestudy Share on X

Not Satisfied with the Less – The Power of the Choice

The choice of one single person or the choice of a minority always has repercussions on the whole community. If the choice is good and reflects God’s perfect will, it will have an encouraging and motivating effect on the people around us. However, if we are satisfied with the less or make a wrong choice, motivated by pride, fear, or comfort, it will result in discouragement for the others. (Numbers 32:7) Not only that, but such a choice will also delay the fulfillment of God’s promises on a personal and group level.

“For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone.  If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”  (Romans 14:7-8)

We are part of one body and our choices affect the whole. They matter more than we think because our choices and decisions are part of our testimony. They influence our growth and maturity and the growth of the community we are part of.

When we settle for the less this influences negatively our growth and maturity and the growth of our community. #growth #decision #spiritualmaturity Share on X

The Best and Wisest Choice

The best choice and God’s instruction is to follow God with all our hearts, to choose to cross our Jordan and to settle in the place God has chosen for us; to refuse to be satisfied with the lesser choice and with a place that is good in our eyes and understanding. The best choice is trusting God, always and in everything.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

More Encouragement for You

If you need more encouragement in your Christian life and to grow spiritually, I can highly recommend these books. Check them out.

Draw Near: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings by Hadassah Treu

Knowing God by J.I. Packer

Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics by William Lane Craig

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero

Letters to the Church by Francis Chan

Make Up Your Mind: Unlock Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life by Denise Dubois Pass and Michelle Nietert

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Your Turn

In which areas of your life do you think you have been satisfied with less? Make a commitment today to choose wisely and settle in the place God has chosen for you. Share in the comments and on social media. Thanks!

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The best choice is to refuse to be satisfied with the less and with a place that is good in our eyes and understanding. The best choice is trusting God, always and in everything. #encouragement #choice #satisfaction Share on X