The Way to Live a Life of Abundance

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. ~John 10:10 (ESV)

Recently while reading through the book of John I came across John 10:10 and wondered what it means to live a life abundantly. While researching what it means to live an abundant life I found many self-help messages. Is remembering 7 Steps to Living a Life of Abundance really what it means?

Lately I have struggled with the thief who tries to steal, kill and destroy instead of feeling like I am living an abundant life. Opportunities were met with closed doors; kids try your patience; and husbands who are always on the go. Friends who have cancer, others who are adjusting to a life they did not plan, and family members who are struggling with loss. Father how do I live a life of abundance in the midst of all this pain?

The Greek word that we translate as ‘full’ or ‘abundantly’ is perissos (per-is-sos’) – which means ‘more than sufficient’ or ‘over & above what is required’.

There is a scene in the movie Wall-E where the Captain says, “I don’t want to survive, I want to live.” That quote made me realize we often lose sight of the fact that God does not want us to just survive life; he wants the very best for us.

There is pain in this life, yet he provides the perfect peace. (Isa. 26:3)

When you lose your patience, God provides us with the strength to persevere. (Nehemiah 8:10)

When life does not go as planned, God is not caught off guard. (Jeremiah 29:11)

The world defines abundance by WHAT we have, but God’s definition of abundance is WHO we have. God sent Jesus to this earth so we may live a life of abundance in the midst of our imperfections and pain. He does not want us to only survive the trials; he wants us to depend on Jesus and live life to its fullest as we live in dependence up on Him.