I Almost Settled for Popeyes
Weekly Grace | Edition #5
*Weekly Grace is your go-to Sunday newsletter for starting each week on a positive note. Each edition offers encouraging words to uplift your spirit, practical tips for a fulfilling week, thoughtful journal prompts, and heartfelt prayers. Begin your week with grace, inspiration, and encouragement.*
Sunday Reflections
I spent most of the day on Friday in the airport traveling back to Michigan from Texas. By the time I made it to the second airport for my layover, it was after 6pm and I hadn’t eaten anything all day. The sound of my stomach growling on the plane made the little girl sitting in the middle seat look at me with concern.
As I made my way through the Delta terminal, I looked for a restaurant where I could sit to quiet my stomach and waste time until my final flight. I walked past multiple restaurants, but nothing really stood out to me.
By the time I saw Popeyes, I was tired of walking and ready to just pick something already. I crossed through a wave of people and stopped right before the entrance to the line. Before I could even glance over the entire menu, I thought to myself, “I don’t even want this.”
So, keep going until you get to what you want.
That was the thought that immediately followed. I had a choice. Two choices actually.
I could:
Stay at Popeyes. Order something I didn’t really want and ultimately end up dissatisfied.
Keep walking. I had no idea what was at the other end of the terminal, but there was a possibility that it could be something I really wanted. If there wasn’t, I could always turn around and go back the way that I came.
I decided to keep walking.
That decision paid off, and I found a restaurant where I enjoyed amazing truffle fries and a Caesar salad (iykyk!)
So often, we settle because we’re too tired to keep moving forward. Grief, hardship, lack, disappointment—it’s all become so heavy that it feels easier to just take what’s in front of us.
What would your life look like if you stopped settling for good enough and started going for what you actually wanted? No matter how much longer it *looks* like it’s going to take. I had no idea what restaurants I would find if I kept walking but I was willing to keep going to get to what I actually wanted.
If there is a specific dream or desire that God has placed in your heart, I pray that you will not settle for a counterfeit or less desirable version of it simply because you’re tired of the waiting process.
Keep going! You have no idea what actually lies on the other side…
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I long for your best in my life. I know that You have a perfect plan and purpose for me, and I don’t want to settle for anything less than what You desire for me. Lord, give me the wisdom to discern what is truly from You and what is not. Help me to recognize the difference between what is good and what is best according to Your will.
Give me the strength to wait patiently for Your timing and to trust that Your plans for me are far greater than anything I could imagine. Father, guard my heart against settling for less out of fear, impatience, or doubt. Remind me that You are a God of abundance and that You withhold no good thing from those who walk uprightly. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You, seeking Your kingdom and righteousness above all else.
I trust in Your goodness and surrender my plans, desires, and dreams to You. Lead me in the path of Your perfect will, and help me to live each day with a heart full of faith and expectancy.
In Jesus’ name, I pray
Amen!
I have some exciting news! I’m working on something specifically for those of you who are in your waiting season. Waiting Well is a 30 day guided prayer journal that was written to help you change your perspective and make the most of your waiting season. I will be sharing more about this journal in the next few weeks!
As you prepare for the week ahead…
Here’s one thing to watch, one thing to read, and one thing to do.
WATCH 💻
Wait On You | Elevation Worship & Maverick City
READ:
Don’t Settle for Less Than God’s Best by Pastor Rick Warren
DO:
Reflect on the past five years. In what areas have you settled for less than what you really wanted because the journey ahead seemed too long?
Praying for a blessed week ahead!
With grace and glory,
Ashtyn 🤍