Get Ready For An Abundant Life

Recently God has been talking to me about abundance... and more importantly, how I have no idea how to live in it, ha! I think we’ve all heard those sermons on being grateful for what you have and being happy with a little. Friend, I’m not trying to brag at all, but I’m well versed on the whole “getting by on a little bit” thing. I grew up in a family that was always teetering right on the edge of homelessness. So, pinching pennies? No problem for me.

However, being on the receiving end of grand gestures and lavish grace? Turns out, I’m not so great at that yet. It tends to set me on edge. When a blessing comes my way, fear of losing it often trumps my gratitude of getting it. In the back of my mind, I prepare myself for life after the blessing, or for “the other shoe to drop” as my mother used to say. These past few months, I have had face this tough fact about myself - I am more comfortable with scarcity than I am with abundance. Are you like me in this way?

​We are often taught that God blesses the needy (Matthew 5:3-10), makes our weakness strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-11), and draws close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). While all of these things are absolutely true and wonderful, I do think that sometimes we can give our needs, weaknesses, and brokenness too much credit. These failings within us may invite God's presence, but the proof of His presence is the relief of these burdens. The Lord does indeed draw close to the brokenhearted, but He never leaves us that way. His goal for you and I is a whole heart and a whole life! I have come to believe that expecting my blessings to be taken, and my circumstances to go wrong, is a disservice to One who's working all things together for my good.

"And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose."
- Romans 8:28 Amplified

"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 The Passion Translation

Recently, the Lord spoke something over me that continues to stun me - Because of Christ I am no longer the tragic figure in my story. I have to let that old person go once and for all. Now, I am redeemed. I am chosen. I am loved beyond measure. I'm no longer a damsel in distress. I am no longer falling short. I don't have to spend one more minute waiting for “shoes” to drop and hit me over the head. I get to start over with every sunrise. I get to face each day with hope in my heart because God is my Provider. And, when lavish, undeserved gifts come my way, I get to leave behind any feelings of dread and shame, and just say "Thank you, Jesus!"

Lovely friend, if I get to do this, then so can you! God wants to bless you, and not just today - but every single day. Right now, how about we take the beautiful promise found in Psalm 27, and write it across the tablet of our hearts?

"I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living."
- Psalm 27:13 CSB

Let’s decide never to settle for anything less than the abundant life Christ died to give us. Let’s believe that we will see the goodness of the Lord right here in the land of the living. Let us say goodbye to who we used to be so we can become the radiant sons and daughters we are meant to be.

I just did a podcast series on this topic, and I really believe these episodes will be encouraging for you! Here’s to learning how to embrace the goodness of God together!

Love,
​- Kelly