Picturing a Life of Abundance

9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:9-11

When you think about the abundance God adds to your life when you follow Him, what are some things which come to mind? You might think about material comforts or financial provision. You might consider recognition and success in your pursuits. You may believe that love and relational fulfillment would add up to abundance. Yes, these things are possible. But there could also be the unnoticed blessings that you may find when you make the right decisions based on God's will. Most of the blessings that you will experience in life are with regard to the compounding effect of making choices which please Him.

On the spot blessings are really not that common. The occasional open parking stall happens and so does the unexpected check in the mail that meets your needs. The most common form of blessings are in a life that has been added to because of obedience. Again, the compound effect of a life dedicated to following Jesus.

So where can you find these examples of abundant lives? Look toward your elders who have been truly and faithfully following the Lord. Those who have racked up an impressive attendance record at church services are not who I'm referring to. I'm talking about those who have sincerely taken the time to hear from the Lord on a regular basis and act in accordance with His commands in their life. You might say that they have a life marked by Jesus because they've been with Him.

These individuals who have been marked by Jesus you'll notice have fruits of the spirit which they generously share with others. They might have developed worldly wealth by their consistency to following Godly principles or they might have a circle of people whom can attest to their influence. They do not worry about economic circumstances or political shifts. They know that these things are to be navigated but does not control their lives. They are interested most of all in fulfilling the plan that God has for their lives and make this a central part of their goals. This is just one picture of an abundant life. Of course, there are many variations depending upon God's calling, but you'll notice similar markings with each. An inner peace is something they may all share, because they know God is in control. Most of these people have been walking with Jesus for decades and their humility has given them the unique ability to hone their livelihood in accordance with His will.

What's most striking about a person marked by Jesus is that they'll gladly leave everything they've been blessed with in this world because their end goal is to be with Him. The accumulation of material things and worldly gain was for the sole purpose of furthering God's mission and they are happy to leave this life in order to graduate to the next. The abundance they treasure is the relationship with Jesus and the Heavenly Father.

If you've been at all wondering what it's like to live a life of abundance perhaps these words can give you a primer of what to expect. There is no better life than one in which you've walked with Jesus. When you can catch His heart, He will give you all that you desire.

Father,

Thank you for your generosity. Not only can you satisfy our earthly desires, but you fulfill our eternal ones as well. There is nothing we have done to deserve what you offer. The only thing we can do in recompense is to accept what you've freely given. Thank you for sharing your son Jesus with us, that through our relationship with Him, we can be brought into an abundant life.

Love,

Brandon