Episode 00022: You Were Designed For Greatness
January 5, 2026
Greeting
Welcome back to The Daily Spirit. Monday, January 5th, 2026. Five minutes of spirit-filled encouragement to start what I'm confident is going to be the best year of your life.
Happy New Year. We're back. I'm so glad you're here.
Opening Hook
Let me be direct with you today.
This is a morning exhortation podcast for ambitious Christians. People who want to make money, acquire influence, and leverage it all for the Kingdom. People who want to tithe generously. Build generationally. Leave a mark.
If that's you, you're in the right place.
And I want to tell you something today that maybe no one has told you in a while.
You were designed to be great.
Scripture
Ephesians 3:20: "God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us."
Far more than you could ever imagine. That's what's available to you. Not because you're special. Because He's that good. And He put His Spirit in you.
Core Message
I take it by faith that God designed you to be the greatest in the world at being you.
Read that again. The greatest in the world at being a specific kind of warrior. A specific kind of kingdom builder. A specific kind of witness.
There's a unique assignment that only you can carry. A space in the world shaped exactly like you. And God did not design you to play small.
You are not here to blend in. You are not here to be timid. You are not here to wonder if your ambition is acceptable.
Your ambition is holy. When it's surrendered to Him, your drive becomes divine fuel. Your hunger for impact becomes Kingdom strategy. Your desire for more becomes a conduit for blessing others.
Personal Touch
I've been thinking about this a lot heading into 2026. What does it mean to be an ambitious Christian? Is it okay to want to win?
And I keep coming back to this: God does not call us to mediocrity. He does not whisper "settle" over us. He does not say "play it safe."
For some people, yes, the call is to be a prayer warrior behind closed doors. To live quietly in a monastery. To intercede in secret.
But for most of us? The call is to be in the world. Boldly. As loud witnesses. As walking, talking examples of what God can do in a surrendered life.
Exhortation
So as you carry through with your resolutions this week, here's what I want you to hold onto.
Think big.
Believe that this is the best year of your life. The best week. The best day. The best moment.
This isn't delusion. It's faith.
Our reality is amazing. We get to serve an incredible God. We get to live with eternal purpose. We get to experience the fruit of obedience now and forever when we meet our maker.
Sometimes you just need to remember how awesome your life is. I know I do.
So don't shrink. Don't apologize for your drive. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty for wanting to be great.
God called you to greatness. Now go live like it.
Affirmations
Let's speak some truth. I'll say it, you repeat.
[Pause after each for repetition]
I was designed for greatness.
My ambition is holy.
God can do far more than I can imagine.
I will not play small.
The world needs what I carry.
This will be the best day of my life.
Closing
That's it for today. First episode of 2026.
We're back. We're going hard. Go get after it. God is with you. Talk tomorrow.
Substack Post Copy
Title: You Were Designed For Greatness
Subtitle: On thinking big, playing to win, and not apologizing for your drive as an ambitious Christian.
Body:
Good morning!
Are you holding back? Playing it small? Wondering if your ambition is too much?
It's not. God designed you for more than you're currently imagining.
Hit play. Or keep reading below.
Your Ambition Is Holy
Let me be direct. This is a morning exhortation for ambitious Christians. People who want to build, earn, and leverage everything for the Kingdom.
If that's you, you're in the right place.
"God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us."
— Ephesians 3:20 (MSG)
I take it by faith that God designed you to be the greatest in the world at being you. A specific kind of warrior. A specific kind of kingdom builder. A space in the world shaped exactly like you.
God does not call us to mediocrity. He does not whisper "settle" over you. He does not say "play it safe."
For most of us, the call is to be in the world. Boldly. As loud witnesses. As walking, talking examples of what God can do in a surrendered life.
So as you carry through with your resolutions this week—think big. Believe that this is the best year of your life. The best week. The best day.
This isn't delusion. It's faith.
Don't shrink. Don't apologize for your drive. God called you to greatness. Now go live like it.
Your Affirmations For Today:
- I was designed for greatness.
- My ambition is holy.
- God can do far more than I can imagine.
- I will not play small.
- The world needs what I carry.
- This will be the best day of my life.
God is with you today.
Happy New Year. Let's make 2026 count.
Love,
Gary
YouTube
Title: HOW GOD DESIGNED YOU TO WIN IN 2026 | The Daily Spirit
Thumbnail Text: YOU WERE DESIGNED FOR GREATNESS
Description: You were designed to be great. Not mediocre. Not safe. Great. This one's for ambitious Christians who refuse to play small.
Daily motivation for ambitious Christians. Scripture, encouragement, and affirmations to start your day.
📖 Today's Scripture: "God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us." — Ephesians 3:20 (MSG)
✊ Today's Affirmations: • I was designed for greatness. • My ambition is holy. • God can do far more than I can imagine. • I will not play small. • The world needs what I carry. • This will be the best day of my life.
🔔 Subscribe for daily encouragement: https://thedailyspirit.substack.com
#ChristianMotivation #DailyDevotional #Faith #Motivation #AmbitiousChristians
Podcast Show Notes
You were designed to be great. Not mediocre. Not safe. Great. This episode is for ambitious Christians who want to build, earn, and leverage everything for the Kingdom.
Today's Scripture: Ephesians 3:20 (MSG)
Key Takeaway: Your ambition is holy when surrendered to God. Don't shrink. Don't apologize for your drive.
Affirmations:
- I was designed for greatness.
- My ambition is holy.
- God can do far more than I can imagine.
- I will not play small.
- The world needs what I carry.
- This will be the best day of my life.
Subscribe: thedailyspirit.substack.com