Once upon a time, I was a single mother.  Living paycheck to paycheck was the norm; Ramen noodles was a gourmet meal; and thrift store clothing filled our closets.

Taking care of my children’s basic necessities was my sole focus.  I didn’t have the margin to lavish them with the hottest toys, coolest snacks, or nicest clothes.  Our needs were always met.  We just didn’t have the extra.

It was during this season, though, when God taught us about abundance (a lesson that, to this day, has remained etched in the hearts of my children and I).  Seems contradictory to the natural mind, I know, but with God all things are possible, right?

In John 10:10, Jesus proclaims that He came to give us life.  He didn’t stop there, though.  He went on to add that He would give us “…life more abundantly.” 

So often, American Christianity has interpreted this verse to mean stacks of cash, the finest of clothes, and Car of the Year’s most trendy vehicle. 

But this promise goes so much deeper than the external abundance of possessions.

The abundance Jesus is referring to here is the abundant life that can be found in Him.  Abundant joy, abundant peace, abundant wisdom, and an abundance of God’s Spirit dwelling in us as we believe on Him. 

And, herein lies the secret of how a single mother on welfare or a family living below the poverty line can have joy unspeakable and live from a spiritual place that surpasses the amassed prosperity of those on the Fortune 500’s Most Wealthy People in the World list.

Abundant life comes as we learn there is no worry He cannot carry; no heartache He cannot mend; and no fear He cannot handle.

Yet, how often do we find ourselves acting like He’s the God of scarcity?  The God of barely enough and meager handouts?  The God who has control of the faucet but only turns it on enough to give us a trickle?

Ephesians 3:20 says, “…to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think…” 

Don’t settle for scarcity of peace, joy, or hope today, friend, when we serve a God who came to give us life more abundantly! 

Your bank account will never give you that.  Doctor’s reports can never give you that.  The newest, nicest, and best can never give you that.

Only Jesus Christ can give you that.

Until next time, Grace and Glory!