Increase, Do Not Decrease
OPENING PRAYER:
God of every generation, you never intended your people to shrink back. Stir in me a vision bigger than my own comfort, and show me what I have to give. Amen.
Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Jeremiah 29:5-6 (NIV)
God’s instructions to the exiles reach across generations. Building, planting, and raising families were long-term investments in a land that was not their original home.
REFLECT:
God’s command to the exiles was not “survive” but “increase.” Build a life. Raise families. Multiply. Christian pointed out that this was a call to generational impact. God wanted his people to pour themselves into the place they had been sent, not to hold their breath until it was over.
Christian shared that one of the best compliments he and his wife ever received was a stranger saying their kids were so wonderful that they needed to have more. The heart behind it was simple: you have something to give, and the world needs more of it. Then he said it plainly: “The world needs more from you.” More of your family, more of your presence, more of the hope and grace that Jesus gives.
Christian warned against a mindset that sticks its head in the sand and waits for the darkness to blow over, trusting that “me and mine” will be okay in heaven someday. Pathway wants to take the opposite approach, asking schools what they actually need and then showing up to help, whether that means building benches for an outdoor reading space or running a school carnival so teachers can simply enjoy time with their families. Across our campuses, we want to keep increasing our presence in the schools God has placed us near: Valley Center Schools, Maize Schools, Goddard Schools, and Northwest Wichita Schools. Increase is not about numbers. It is about refusing to shrink away from the people God has placed around us.
APPLY:
Where have you been decreasing your involvement, your generosity, or your presence? Name one area where God may be calling you to increase. Consider whether your gifts, time, or family could bless a school or neighbor in a way you have not tried before.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will pray for one school by name and encourage one person in it this week.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for the times I have shrunk back and called it wisdom. Give me a heart that invests in the next generation. Let my life add to the hope in my community, for your name’s sake. Amen.
PRAYER REQUEST:
Share your prayer request and pray for others.