good versus best
David "reigned for forty years: seven years and six months in Hebron over Judah, and thirty-three years in Jerusalem over all Israel and Judah." —2 Samuel 5:4-5
David took his kingship to a higher level when he moved from Hebron to Jerusalem. He was told that it was impossible to reach that level, but he did the impossible (2 Sm 5:6-7). Then he "grew steadily more powerful, for the Lord of hosts was with him" (2 Sm 5:10).
The Lord wants to take your good marriage and turn it into a great one. You don't know how that's possible. Just pray with your spouse for a great marriage and watch the Lord do a miracle.
You've chosen to be single for the Lord, and you serve the Lord with love and enthusiasm. Now the Lord is calling you to cross over into a new dimension of community life and ministry.
You're retired by the world's standards, but the Lord is ready to move you into the major ministry of your life. You've had a good life in Hebron. Now it's time to enter Jerusalem.
You're a loving, committed parent. You've done a good job of raising your children. Yet now you can disciple your children for the Lord. Come up higher; cross the threshold; enter a new dimension.
Don't let the good keep you from the best. Leave the security of Hebron for the challenges of Jerusalem.
Prayer: Father, may I leave behind not only the bad but also the good so as to follow You.
Promise: "I have found David, My servant; with My holy oil I have anointed him, that My hand may be always with him, and that My arm may make him strong." —Ps 89:21-22
Praise: St. Angela gathered a group of lay women to teach girls to be good and holy women, wives, and mothers. After her death, this group became the Ursulines.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order, listen to, or download our Risen Life Series: four CDs starting with CD 4A-1 or two DVDs starting with DVD 4A on our website.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 2, 2019
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.