The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10 NAS95)
I love this contrast between the thief and Jesus. And such was my life prior to meeting Jesus. No, I was not addicted to anything, or on a visibly self-destructive pathway, but I was self-focused, self-centered and on my way to a Christless eternity. Yet God wanted and desired something different for me. He desires the same for all. He saw me, the insecurity, anxiety and fear I carried, arising out of my coming from an alcoholic family system, and reached down so I could literally have life— for today and tomorrow. I now recognize God has always desired our flourishing. He wants not only me, but us all to have life, and have it abundantly.
I hate to say it, I wasn’t looking, but Jesus found me. I wish I could say I was seeking Him, but that really wouldn’t reflect what happened. I think He heard my unprayed prayer. Through many events starting with a strange encounter with a person who blurted out to me, “Jesus loves you” in a Burger King on Camp Bowie Boulevard in Fort Worth, Texas, the journey began. By the way, I didn’t ask for that sentence to enter my soul, but it did (and I'm grateful). I never saw that person again. Then along the way many people, on their initiative, influenced me toward Christ. Eventually I succumbed. I was fortunate, very fortunate.
God turned my life right-side-up. Abundance entered, life changed, goodness surrounded me. I live today in gratitude to Jesus and the interactive relationship I have with Him. In the context of His grand love, I stand amazed at the gifts of my wife and now adult kids. We enjoy family and being together. Along the way, grace for growth has showed up many times in the form of pain, but on the other side lay a way of flourishing I would not have discovered apart from it. All gifts. Abundance means flourishing and life in the full presence of God, the greatest lover of all time. Life with God defines abundance. What a contrast from my former life experience!
And to think this has always been God’s desire!
For Reflection:
“For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.” (Psalms 86:5 NAS95)
- How have you experienced God’s abundance in your life?
- What gifts have you received from God that first showed up in the form of pain?
