There’s a world of difference between merely surviving a trial and truly thriving through it. Survival whispers, “I got through somehow.” Thriving declares, “God met me in the storm and transformed me because of it.” That is the heartbeat of Steve Robinson’s Decide to Thrive. In this book, Robinson outlines six life-changing decisions—Priority, Relationship, Purpose, Growth, Influence, and Generosity—that call believers to move beyond endurance into abundant life.
When I walked through this study with my small group, I realized how practical these decisions are. Each one not only helps us live faithfully in the moment, but also provides a framework for developing a testimony that glorifies God. Because every trial we endure becomes an opportunity—not just to survive, but to thrive in a way that points others to His faithfulness.
The Priority Decision
Steve Robinson begins where all true thriving must start—our priorities. He reminds us that what we choose to put first will shape every other area of our lives. “The first step to thriving is deciding what matters most and refusing to let lesser things steal your focus” (p. 21). Jesus makes it clear in His teaching: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33 NIV). Thriving doesn’t come from juggling everything equally—it comes from putting God first and allowing everything else to flow from that foundation.
This decision challenged me deeply in our small group study. It’s easy to let busyness or even good things crowd out the best thing. When I’ve shifted my priorities away from God, I’ve found myself in survival mode—drained, distracted, and spiritually dry. But when I make the conscious choice to give Him first place, even in trials, my perspective changes. My testimony is strengthened, not because the circumstances disappear, but because I can point to the God who carried me through when He was my priority. Thriving starts with that daily decision to put Him above all else.
The Relationship Decision
The second decision he highlights is about relationships, and it’s one of the most critical. He makes it clear that the people we walk with will either pull us closer to Christ or drag us away from Him. “Who you walk with determines where you end up” (p. 43). Scripture echoes this truth: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Cor. 15:33 NIV).
In our small group, this decision sparked heartfelt discussion, because thriving in faith is not meant to be a solo journey. When we surround ourselves with those who speak life, pray with us, and walk through trials alongside us, our testimony gains strength and depth. I’ve seen how God uses faith-filled companions to carry burdens I could not bear alone. The Relationship Decision reminds us that thriving isn’t just about personal growth—it’s about letting God use the right people to shape and strengthen our story.
The Purpose Decision
The third decision he outlines is about purpose. He reminds us that thriving isn’t found in chasing titles, careers, or applause—it’s discovered when we align our lives with God’s calling. “Your purpose is not about your title or career; it’s about how your life displays God’s glory” (p. 65). Scripture puts it plainly: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV).
When trials come, it’s easy to lose sight of purpose and get lost in the “why me?” questions. But when we decide to see purpose through God’s perspective, even the hardest seasons become opportunities for testimony. Our story shifts from being about what we’ve endured to how God has used it. In my own walk, I’ve found that purpose is less about arriving at a destination and more about reflecting Jesus in every step. Thriving means living with the confidence that no pain is wasted, because God’s purpose is always greater than our circumstance.
The Growth Decision
Robinson challenges us to see growth not as an optional pursuit, but as the natural outcome of a thriving life. “Thriving people never stop learning, never stop stretching, and never stop trusting God to take them deeper” (p. 87). Trials often expose areas of immaturity or weakness, but they also provide the soil where perseverance and wisdom can take root. Scripture affirms this: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2–3 NIV).
For me, growth has rarely come in the easy seasons. It’s when comfort is stripped away that I find myself leaning harder on the Lord. Those are the moments where I discover His strength is perfect in my weakness, and those moments later become the most powerful parts of my testimony. Growth doesn’t just happen to us—it happens in us, and it becomes evidence of God’s hand shaping our lives for His glory.
The Influence Decision
Every believer carries influence, whether we acknowledge it or not. Robinson warns us not to underestimate the power of our witness: “Your choices today echo in the lives of others tomorrow” (p. 112). Jesus Himself said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14 NIV). Our lives, lived consistently for Christ, become a testimony that draws others toward Him.
I’ve seen this in ministry again and again—how a quiet faith lived out day by day can speak louder than any sermon. Influence isn’t about position or title; it’s about faithfulness. When we choose to thrive in the decisions we make, others see the difference. And when they ask how, our testimony becomes the bridge that leads them to the hope of Christ. Influence, rightly stewarded, is one of the most powerful tools God gives us for Kingdom impact.
The Generosity Decision
Finally, he closes with the call to generosity. He reminds us, “The more you give, the more room you create for God’s blessings to flow through you” (p. 137). Generosity, whether through finances, time, or encouragement, shifts our focus from self-preservation to Kingdom-minded living. Scripture captures this truth: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25 NIV).
What strikes me most is how generosity in seasons of trial becomes a living testimony. When we choose to give in scarcity, it declares, “My God is enough.” I’ve watched this truth unfold in my own life—when I’ve poured out what little strength or resources I had left, God multiplied it, both in me and in others. Thriving in generosity means our testimony isn’t just spoken, it’s demonstrated, showing the watching world that our trust rests fully in the Provider.
Conclusion
Decide to Thrive is more than a motivational read—it’s a spiritual roadmap built around six intentional choices: Priority, Relationship, Purpose, Growth, Influence, and Generosity. Steve Robinson makes it clear that thriving is not a destination but a daily decision to live out God’s best.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book for individuals, small groups, and church leaders. It’s practical, biblically grounded, and rich with opportunities for reflection. For me, the lasting truth is this: thriving is about more than surviving life’s trials—it’s about shaping a testimony that points others to Christ. When we choose to thrive, we are choosing to glorify God with every decision, every season, and every story He writes in us.
For individuals, and small groups that want to go through the book, you can watch a short corresponding teaching for each section. Here are links to those videos:
- Lesson 1: The Priority Decision
- Lesson 2: The Relationship Decision
- Lesson 3: The Purpose Decision
- Lesson 4: The Growth Decision
- Lesson 5: The Influence Decision
- Lesson 6: The Generosity Decision
If you’d like to go deeper (with or without the book), I invite you to explore the sermon series. Each of the six “Decisions” in Decide to Thrive—Priority, Relationship, Purpose, Growth, Influence, and Generosity—was unpacked in weekly messages across a six-week journey. These teachings didn’t just highlight principles; they gave real-life application and space for testimonies to emerge in the middle of trials. Each week builds on the last, showing how these decisions move us from merely surviving to truly thriving in Christ. My prayer is that as you watch, you’ll not only understand the framework Robinson outlines, but also begin to see your own story as a living testimony of God’s faithfulness.
Start the series by selecting the button below.
