I felt drained today, there wasn’t a reason I could put my finger on. I headed out for a walk hoping to gain some insight into my feelings. It came, just as I was nearing my home; a squirrel and birds gorging themselves on the contents of a freshly filled feeder. It made me wonder, what would happen if I decided to feast on the abundance that God has been prepared for me – and you.
But what does that mean? What abundance has God prepared? How will I feast on it?
Photo credit: Joshua Sortino on Unsplash
What Has God Prepared?
Jesus tells us that He provides abundant life in this verse:
” The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 (ESV)
Jesus is trustworthy. So, I believe that through Him I have abundant life.
The Passion Translation gives me a little more insight.
“A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect—life in its fullness until you overflow!” John 10:10 (TPT)
I think a desire for the fullness of life was what was causing me to be weary today.
A full life is definitely what I aspire to. This verse is telling me I do not have to strive to get it – it already has been provided. And it is more than I expect!
I don’t have a lack of anything physical. (Although God does provide for our physical needs too, click here for more). This pandemic has taught me that I don’t need as much as I thought. With limited shopping and certain items in short supply, my needs and desires were refined. I am content with much less.
I believe the fullness of life referred to is more than our day-to-day physical needs.
Paul’s prayer to believers in Rome gives more clarity.
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NLT)
When we are drained, we can go to God, the source of our hope. We can pray to be filled with joy and peace. For believers, the Holy Spirit will cause us to overflow with hope.
This will not only refresh us but spill over onto others too, starting a cascade of encouragement!
How Should We Feast on The Abundance?
How should enjoy the abundant life filled with joy, peace, and hope?
I think with abandon!
We pray expecting God to answer. And when He does, we accept with joy and thanksgiving and with both hands open!
I worked with a nurse who was loved by staff and patients. She lived life fully. She once regaled us with a story that I think paints a picture of what I mean.
One Christmas she was making the long drive home from after visiting her mother. As she progressed through the snowy conditions, the fragrance of the stew her mom had made for her became more and more irresistible. Until she pulled over and ate the entire container, with gusto and no spoon.
She enjoyed every bite, and the joy which filled her story spread to us as well. We could not help but be captivated.
Imagine if we embraced the peace, joy, and hope we are promised with that same intensity. So that it spilled over and was irresistible to those around us as too.
What do you think? I’d love to know.