As the new year began a little over a month ago, I wanted nothing to do with resolutions, reflections, or goals. That’s what a new season is about: reflecting on what happened and looking forward to what’s coming. I didn’t want any of that. I really just wanted to hibernate until everyone was over posting about their past year and what they want in 2016.
And then, a month later, the Lord spoke to me about my 2016:
Abundance.
I’m sorry, what? Abundance of what? Lord, you do realize I’m a missionary in America working for a non-profit living with 3 other women, right? What kind of abundance are you talking about?
Abundance.
And then, I reflected. I looked in my bank account. I had the most money I’ve had in years. I didn’t change any habits and my pay check is definitely still the same. I feel like I’ve been spending more money than normal because of holidays, getting back home for those holidays, trying to furnish my bedroom, moving into a house and all those start up costs, and more. How is this possible?
Abundance.
I realized the community I have. Are you kidding me? I’m so lucky. I’m daily surrounded by people who get me. I work with people who love the Lord. I live with women who exude different characteristics of the Lord. I go to a church that’s willing to deliver a challenging, yet convicting message weekly. I have so many people that intentionally ask me how I’m doing.
Abundance.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9: 6-8
Abundance.
So many Americans are stuck in the mindset of gather, but we forget to sow. We have to save for the “American Dream” and for our future.We have to pay off our school loan debt. We have to support our family. Yes, but the Lord shows us and tells us to give. To freely give what we’ve received. To give more than we have. Have you read the parable of the woman with two coins lately?
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything — all she had to live on.” -Mark 12: 41-44
Abundance.
That is what abundance truly means — giving out of a place of trust knowing that God will provide all that you need. Abundance is defined as overflowing fullness. And, I don’t know about you, but I overflow the most when I give out the most.
What would it look like if we all operated out of an abundance mentality? If we lived in such a way that, out of our poverty, we were actually wealthy? Think of that harvest!
And, I’m not just talking money. What if we acted out of an abundance of love, gratefulness, joy, peace, and patience? What about an abundance of time intentionally being present? How about an abundance of the Word? An abundance of wisdom, knowledge, discernment, authority?
When acting out of the abundance mentality, we overflow our abundance into others – we sow.
I challenge you to live in abundance and, through that, sow seeds of abundance. You will have all the you need, and then some.
