An example in the bible of people who settled for less can be seen in the story of Adam and Eve, they had everything to themselves except one tree but at the end of the day, the devil made them compromise all that God had given them for just one tree which landed them in trouble, I consider that as settling for less.

Luke 10:19 says “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you”. We have to be aware of the authority God has given us and not settle for anything less than that. He has given us the authority already and has made so many covenants with us (his children), covenant of life, covenant of peace, covenant of protection, covenant of good health, covenant of provision etc, it is up to us to key into these covenants and not “manage” what ever comes our way.

Jesus has already paid the price on the cross of Calvary. He died with our sickness, pain, sin, diseases, shame, lack, reproach and every other evil thing from the world and the devil but when Jesus rose, He rose WITHOUT all these things, He rose to give us new life, to deliver us from the shackles of sin and death 1 Corinthians 15:17 “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” so why should you pay for something that has already been paid for ? Ignorance is very dangerous, if you are ignorant of the plans of God for you how will you possess your possession?

 Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”

The devil tries his best to make sure we do not become aware of God’s plans and blessings for us by trying to win us to himself but if we study the word of God daily, meditate on it and develop a personal relationship with God we will become aware of the benefits of going all the way with Christ and it will also enable us to know when we are settling for less. Whatever challenge you are facing as a youth should not last forever, as a child of God challenges would definitely come but they should only be for a while and for the glory of God to be made known  when such challenges come to an end.

It is time to stand up and say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH to every mountain that seems not to be moving in your education, relationship, family etc. You can not sit down, fold your arms, accept defeat and settle for less when your father in heaven has paid the price already. You are not too young to speak peace into every storm in your life and family, remember a closed mouth is a closed destiny.

There should be a clear difference between you and unbelievers because you are under a better covenant. As you develop a personal relationship with God, study and meditate on His word and also live a life that is pleasing to Him, take time to think about every area of your life and ask God to give you the grace to be able to know areas where you are accepting defeat, letting the devil cheat you and settling for less so you can make amends. NOTHING WILL HAPPEN UNTIL YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN BY TAKING THE RIGHT STEPS.