I read about this professor at a major university. He was in class about to hand out the final exam— the most important test of the year. Before he did, he told his students how proud he was of them. Because they had worked so hard, he made them a special offer. He said, "Anyone that would like an automatic C on this test, just raise your hand, and I'll give you a C. You won't even have to take the test." One hand slowly went up, then another and another until about half of the students opted out of taking the test. They walked out of the room so relieved, so happy.
The professor went on the pass out the test to the rest of the students. He placed it face down on the desks and asked them not to turn it over until he instructed them to. For the next few minutes, he encouraged them about how they were going to do great things in life and that they should always strive to do their best. Then he gave the word that it was okay to turn the test over and get started. The test only had two sentences. It read, "Congratulations. You just made an A."
This is what we do many times in life. We settle for a "C" not realizing God has an "A" in our future. You might say, "I don't think I'll ever get over this sickness. I'm just learning to live with it." That's taking a "C". You've got to change your thinking and say, "God is restoring health to me. I will live and not die. I'm getting stronger, healthier, better." That's going for the "A".
"Well, I'm getting up there in years. You know how your health starts to go downhill." That's taking a "C".
"I'll never break this addiction. I've had it since high school." Another "C".
God has an "A" for you, but the choice is yours. You'll never see it if you keep taking the C's. Yes, the C's are easier. You don't have to stretch. You don't have to get out of your comfort zone. But, you'll never be truly fulfilled if you keep settling for C's. The good news is that God already has A's in your future. He has the right person, a happy marriage, a successful career, health, wholeness, freedom and victory. Don't take the easy way out. The A's are worth fighting for! Stay in faith, keep standing, keep believing, keep hoping and go for the "A"!
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…" (Ecclesiastes 9:10, NIV)