Enlarge My Territory?

Soooo….hi (lol). It’s been a while, right? There’s a reason for that. I’ve joined the sorority of my dreams, I graduated from law school, prepared for and taken the Texas bar exam, all within a few months. I’m slowly but surely becoming a whole adult. My former goals are my realities. My life is…expanding, and of course with that expansion, I’ve learned quiiiite a bit. This…we need to sit & discuss...

I was still in law school while pursuing my path into my sorority. That meant that I was still reading at least 100 pages of legal ‘stuff’ a week, studying for finals, preparing for a presentation, AND I was writing a 25 page paper (the memory alone makes me tired). I was still working my cases for the clinic, and assisting with our community service component. I was still at church for service. I was still in ministry school. I come out of that season, and walk right into bar prep…and a car with an attitude. My car was in the shop weekly of the time that I was preparing for the bar exam (with the exception of the final 2 weeks - I ran out of money & emotional energy), because a new component of my a/c system went out, one at a time.

If God told me, back in January that March - July would look like this, I probably would’ve walked into it with a defeated mindset, or bombarded Him with questions. Liiiiiike….preparing for the bar exam is stressful and time consuming enough. Why can’t I have A/C in my little car?! Why can’t I just study like everybody else? Wait…wait…You give me the chance to FINALLY be in this sorority…and You’re telling me that this has to happen in one of the BUSIEST semesters of my entire law school career?! However, through that season, I learned that in order for God to expand your territory, He has to expand your view of your capabilities. Months ago, I wouldn’t have believed that I was capable to do so much at one time. I have a very real hesitation of doing too much at my own detriment. Yet, today I look at challenges and say that if I could make it through that, I can make it through this. That…THAT is expansion. 

I think that we often ask God to “enlarge our territory” without realizing what that expansion will require from us. We see the expansion as a solution to our current problems, but we don’t consider what new problems it could cause ahead, especially if we’re not prepared. Think about it: if you work 10 acres & suddenly have 100, you’ll need more tools, more seeds, more time, etc. to be a good steward over that 100 acres than the 10. Sure, the harvest will be greater (that’s where we stop & shout), but the work requirement will increase as well (I rarely see people authentically shout over this). The new level will require more from you than previous levels have. So while you’re praying for upgrades & elevations, realize that your new tax bracket, your promotion, your marriage, your new home, your new level will require more from you than your current level does. That’s not to scare you or stop you from reaching higher, but we have to stop expecting more out of God’s hands, & not expecting more from our own. Why should God give you something new…to waste? Especially when His name is on it? Why should He give you more for you to treat the new the same way you treated the old? What will be different this time? How will you be different this time? 
I believe that whenever God extends His hands to us, He expects us to be productive with what He’s given us. God is productive in everything He does, & He expects productivity from us. Psalms opens with a declaration that everything a blessed person does will prosper. So my question is…what are you doing? It’s important to know that prosperity is the fruit of purpose. Prosperity flows from purposeful action - actions that re-present God to those around you. Even if it’s not your “call” inside of the walls of the church, your life is a re-presentation of God’s power and ability to work on behalf of His people. God is strategic. He doesn’t open doors or elevate without a mission, and that mission will expand His name throughout this earth. That mission, that dream, that prayer, will require work…from you. Yes, you’ll reap a greater harvest, but it will likely require you to put in a greater investment. 

Everything that I have - every degree, every dime, every word, every ounce of joy - I have because God invested it into me. I have many of the things I’ve asked for. I graduated. I’m in my sorority. I’ve taken the bar. I’m about to be a whole attorney! I’m in ministry school…and I have the responsibilities that come with each of those roles. With the expansion of territory comes the expansion of expectation. When your ‘territory’ expands, your faith has to expand. When your territory expands, your image of your capabilities has to expand. When your territory expands, your strength has to expand. There is, however, good news: you wont handle the increase by yourself. With every expansion, I’ve watched God breathe new life, new strength, and new vision into me - and He will do the same for you! 

Background music: Prayer of Jabez - Donald Lawrence (b/c…issa classic)

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