Fighting for the Abundant Life

In John 10:10, Jesus lets us in on His heart and desire for us: He came that we might have abundant life.

I can’t speak for you, but for me? Abundant life sounds great. I will take it—all day, everyday.

But what about that thief Jesus mentions just before? The one that “comes only to steal and kill and destroy”?

If I’m honest, it feels like that thief reigns victorious more often than I care to admit. Stress, disappointment, doubt, conflict, and the pressures of this life have a way of swallowing up any hope of abundant living. Perhaps you can relate?

You crawl into bed at night exhausted, depleted, and even somewhat numb. Your mind takes an accounting of the day, searching for signs of abundance—but finding only defeat.

You snapped at your kids again. You argued with your husband just for the sake of arguing. You locked yourself in the pantry and ate all the chocolate, even though you promised yourself today would be different.

Yes, dear one, we have a very real enemy seeking to extinguish any chance of peaceful, joy-filled living. And if we’re not careful, we’ll end the narrative at that and return to our secret pantry chocolate binge.

And yet, we must remember that “He who is in [us] is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4 ESV).

Our God truly is greater—

When we feel like it, and when we don’t.

When we see evidence of it, and when we don’t.

When our faith is strong, and when it isn’t.

He is greater. And He is all about taking those fiery arrows the enemy sends and launching them straight back to where they came, turning evil on its head, and drawing beauty from the ashes of our days.  

Yes, our God indeed came that we might have abundant life, but let us not be naive: we’re going to have to fight for it. One day at a time, sometimes even one hour at a time.

But it is worth the fight, for in God’s faithful Hands, Satan’s schemes become a springboard into the abundant life.

In the words of the Apostle Paul, “let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 4:9 ESV)

Today, dear one, don’t give up. Keep taking those burdens and battles to Him.

Place your failures, frailties, fears, and limits in His capable Hands–and watch as He creates abundance out of your lack.

With Grace,