The word Strive means to make great efforts to achieve or obtain something.  It also means to struggle or fight vigorously.  To try very hard to do something or to make something happen, especially for a long time or against difficulties.

The word Strive is neither positive or negative. Striving can be a very wholesome and positive quality if it is less about achieving an external goal and more about being right here right now; less about becoming a champion or physician or lawyer or millionaire and more about becoming a truer and better person.  

I would like to introduce the word Thrive. It means to prosper; be fortunate or successful. To grow or develop vigorously, to flourish. The trouble is we have collapsed the idea of thriving with striving. I would say that our God wants us to thrive instead of strive.

God wants us to focus on good goals and reach them. The Bible is filled with the importance of thriving. Psalm 92:12 promises, “The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree.” In Proverbs 11:28 we read, “The righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”

God wants us to do good and pursue excellence. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9, New International Version). If we continue pursuing excellence and don't give up, we will reap the harvest or gain the reward in our pursuit

My encouragement to you today, is to find your balance.  Strive to be like Jesus and put the Word to work in your life.  As we all move to be more like Him, we will thrive!

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