How many times have you heard "it's not about the destination, it's about the journey". I was thinking about that today as I was planning a trip. I wonder how many Christians live for the destination......Heaven......but do not truly experience the journey.
Jesus did not come just so we could be saved and go to heaven when we die. He came so that we would have life abundant. John 10:10(ESV) "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." What does that mean? Was Jesus saying that He came so we could have riches, fame and glory? Would that be life abundant? Or was He talking about peace, joy and fulfillment? Or both?
I can honestly say that there have been times in my life when I had more money, more possessions and jobs with more status than I have now, and yet I was lacking. I was so caught up in gaining and then maintaining a lifestyle that I thought would ultimately satisfy me, that I lost sight of what God had called me to do for Him.
Now, don't get me wrong, I was in church every week, participated in ministry events, and loved the Lord during that time. But something was still missing that I was unable to identify then. There was always a feeling that there should be more, but more of what? In the last two years I have lost so very much: my husband to divorce, my brother and mother to death, my job, my home temporarily, my furniture, my business, and my pride. During this season of my life, as I have run into the arms of my Heavenly Father and depended solely on Him for everything, I have come to realize what "abundant life" looks like for me.
Living life abundantly is waking up every morning with peace and joy; going through each day in communion with Jesus and trusting Him for everything. It means embracing every opportunity to share His love with people I come across who are hurting and lonely; and, when given the opportunity to pray with someone, I feel more alive than ever. I no longer care if people think I am successful or have nice things. My concern is for their hearts and salvation.
As Christians, if we are only living for the hope of getting to Heaven, we are missing out and so is the Kingdom of God. The enemy has convinced us that our destination is all that is important so he can keep us from walking in our gifts and callings. Where is our desire to live a life that glorifies Jesus and to see signs and wonders? Where is our burden for the lost and the broken? The lies of the enemy are preventing us, and those the Lord puts in our paths to reach out to, from living life abundantly. Only we, within ourselves, can change this. And we can through relationship with Jesus by spending more time in His word and alone with Him.
Your journey is before you. Ask the Lord to guide you and show you what He has for you. Step out in faith and see what happens.....abundance in Him awaits you.
Jesus did not come just so we could be saved and go to heaven when we die. He came so that we would have life abundant. John 10:10(ESV) "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." What does that mean? Was Jesus saying that He came so we could have riches, fame and glory? Would that be life abundant? Or was He talking about peace, joy and fulfillment? Or both?
I can honestly say that there have been times in my life when I had more money, more possessions and jobs with more status than I have now, and yet I was lacking. I was so caught up in gaining and then maintaining a lifestyle that I thought would ultimately satisfy me, that I lost sight of what God had called me to do for Him.
Now, don't get me wrong, I was in church every week, participated in ministry events, and loved the Lord during that time. But something was still missing that I was unable to identify then. There was always a feeling that there should be more, but more of what? In the last two years I have lost so very much: my husband to divorce, my brother and mother to death, my job, my home temporarily, my furniture, my business, and my pride. During this season of my life, as I have run into the arms of my Heavenly Father and depended solely on Him for everything, I have come to realize what "abundant life" looks like for me.
Living life abundantly is waking up every morning with peace and joy; going through each day in communion with Jesus and trusting Him for everything. It means embracing every opportunity to share His love with people I come across who are hurting and lonely; and, when given the opportunity to pray with someone, I feel more alive than ever. I no longer care if people think I am successful or have nice things. My concern is for their hearts and salvation.
As Christians, if we are only living for the hope of getting to Heaven, we are missing out and so is the Kingdom of God. The enemy has convinced us that our destination is all that is important so he can keep us from walking in our gifts and callings. Where is our desire to live a life that glorifies Jesus and to see signs and wonders? Where is our burden for the lost and the broken? The lies of the enemy are preventing us, and those the Lord puts in our paths to reach out to, from living life abundantly. Only we, within ourselves, can change this. And we can through relationship with Jesus by spending more time in His word and alone with Him.
Your journey is before you. Ask the Lord to guide you and show you what He has for you. Step out in faith and see what happens.....abundance in Him awaits you.