Abundance comes in many flavors or areas of our life. Finances, relationships, and religious experiences are just a few of the main ones. Abundance is something we all pray and hope for, especially when we have been stuck in a season of lack, or drought.
Mostly everyone knows how to deal with the drought season, because we all have areas in our life that are lacking, but do we know how to deal with abundance when it comes? Imagine you were poor your whole life, and then suddenly you inherited millions of dollars. For years, this was only a dream, and then suddenly it becomes a reality.
Sometimes I think we become so attached to our lack, that when abundance does come we get a little scared, and we handle it in the wrong way. The way we handle it might even put us back to the level of lack that we were comfortable with. Someone with no friends, that suddenly starts making friends everywhere, might not know how to balance their time, and the relationships might fall apart quicker than they started.
These are all things that I have been pondering, and mainly because I have recently entered into a season of extreme abundance. I say extreme, because the blessings that are being poured out are like nothing I have ever experienced. It’s exciting and terrifying at the same time. I’m not used to it, so there is a part of me that feels like if I appreciate it too much it will be taken away from me, and I’ll be disappointed. I feel like I’m on top of the world, but the top is scary. When you are on the top, you have a long way to fall. When you are on the bottom, you can only go up.
Is this a fear of success? Should I be casting something out?
One of the things that scares me about money is that it changes you. When I was on the verge of being homeless my relationship with God was intense. Every day He pulled me through, and everyday I clung to His side. I’ve noticed that when we get a little comfortable we tend to get a mindset that says, “alright, I got it from here”. God forbid!
My biggest prayer lately has been, “May I not be removed from this foundation of rock that you have placed me on.” I refuse to let my circumstances change who I am in Christ. I will always need Him, and nothing is going to take me away from Him. Oh, the devil tries hard, but he will not have the victory over me. Victory belongs to the Lord!
Great to hear that you are so blessed, Justin. I’m happy for you!
Someone once told me this about money — don’t let it control you and always remember that God gave you this abundance for the simple reason that you use it as a resource to glorify Him. At the same time, give and don’t expect anything in return.
I’ve kept that advice deep in my brain and nowadays spend any extras on giving to missions and buying evangelism tracts.
Comment Submitted: May 5th, 2008 at 7:01 am
He came to give us life and life in abundance.
Comment Submitted: May 6th, 2008 at 5:52 am
If our expectations for our ministry are bigger than what we can do on our own, it helps to keep us grounded in faith. And if you think about it, our ministry should be “God-sized” and bigger than our own abilities.
When we’re blessed and our needs are met with overflow, and our ministry is not “big”, then it’s easier to get complacent, like you said. FYI, by “big” ministry I don’t mean famous, but expecting God to do a lot through us, so we may bear much fruit.
Comment Submitted: May 6th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Isaiah - I definitely agree with you that money should never control us!
Beppo - Very well said!
Comment Submitted: May 8th, 2008 at 8:28 am