Welcome back to the Insider Journal series on expanding our belief to achieve more than we’ve ever imagined. This series is anchored in Ephesians 3:20-21:

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”

Last time, we unpacked how chasing appearances gaslights our soul, stealing peace and agency. Today, in Part 4, we’re diving into this: My belief about what I deserve drives me out of agency. When my heart goes to war thinking I deserve better—especially from God—it stunts my growth. How do we shift from entitlement to embracing what God has freely given?

I’m going to get real personal right now. Earlier this year, I heard the Lord telling me to release my preferences. It was a bit disconcerting, but I played along. “Ok, God, so you want me to give up on what I want this summer. Ok, no problem. Wait, what – you want to completely sideline all my plans??  I deserve more than this! I’m serving You, God. I’ve done all the right things. I’ve given up so many things. I thought we had a deal here. Now You’re dragging Your feet, and I need You to change the math!”

I let my heart war over the disappointments and unforeseen things that clobbered me. I thought that if I kept on digging, eventually I’d end up in China! Don’t let this seem like I’m Job here, but I was definitely giving God some of the arguments about how I thought He would do more my way. The word came back to me, “Release your preferences.”

Jump back to John 6; Jesus had been very clear at the synagogue. He told everyone to feast off his flesh and blood to have eternal life. This discouraged many who grumbling left Jesus behind.  It was there, Jesus saw Peter and asked, “are you too going to go with them?” Peter answered, “To whom shall we go? We have come to believe that you have the words of eternal life.” I am paraphrasing here, but still accurate to the story. Peter had it right. He was convinced of who he believed in. So, why would Peter walk away?

This struggle is real for us as Christian leaders: our hearts go to war when we think we deserve better—better deals, recognition, or even blessings from God. We start believing we’ve earned more because of our hard work, faithfulness, or sacrifices. But really, we deserve nothing but separation from God—yet He saved us. Entitlement blinds us to this grace, stunting growth as we fixate on what we don’t have instead of stewarding what’s been given. In our work, this shows up as resentment over missed deals, stalled projects, or unanswered prayers; robbing agency and sidelining Kingdom impact. It’s unbelief dressed up as fairness—doubting God’s gifts are more than enough. As leaders balancing eternal perspective with daily demands, this mindset blocks the “immeasurably more” because we’re too busy demanding what we think we’re owed rather than working with what’s entrusted to us.

So, what’s the action? Shift from entitlement to gratitude, reclaiming agency by embracing what God’s given. Start small—list three gifts God has given you (relationships, skills, opportunities) and one step to use them this week. 

The resolution? When we trade “I deserve” for “I’m grateful,” growth begins, and God’s power flows. During this recent funk, I reframed my focus—thanking God for the team, the vision, even the struggles. I leaned into what we have: people who pray together (shout out to those of you who joined me for 30 days!), real ministry growth, and a team committed to more outreach than ever. Letting go of entitlement doesn’t shrink my vision—it’s as big as ever but I’m committed to  God’s “immeasurably more,” multiplying impact beyond my dreams or demands on His terms.

This week, spot one area where entitlement stirs war—maybe a stalled project or unmet expectation. Prayerfully list three gifts God’s given, take one stewardship step with one of those gifts, and journal the shift. Share with a TMP alum or email me to talk about what God did.

In the end, friends, believing we deserve better doesn’t lift us—it stunts us. But embracing God’s grace turns our nothing into His everything, painting our stories with immeasurable outcomes. See you for Part 5.

In your corner,
Jeff

Refer someone to TMP: Click Here 
Become a TMP Table Mentor: Email or Call Chris Skiff

TMP COHORTS STARTING SOON!

ORLANDO – January 2026
DALLAS/FT. WORTH – January 2026
NEWPORT BEACH – February 2026
CHARLOTTE – March 2026
VIRTUAL – March 2026

Contact Chris Skiff: chris.skiff@priorityliving.org or 805-440-1700