The Abundant Life

Jesus said that the thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy, but He came so that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). If we have the abundant life, why does it not look abundant (or at least what we think is abundance)? People of God often do not have a lot of riches or property, and many times we depend on God for our daily bread. So why are we not living an abundant life on the earth, wanting for nothing, and having more than we can give?

I believe the answer is that we have the wrong idea of what this abundant life is. We can look at many other scriptures that speak of what our life here on earth as children of God will be, and it is far from wealthy and powerful.

Jeremiah, the prophet who often spoke for God, said that God’s plan for His people are plans of welfare and not of evil, to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Notice this verse says no evil, a future and hope not riches and power. It does not speak of being blissful all the days of our lives here in this broken world. Jesus told us not to be anxious about what we shall eat, drink or wear. Once we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be provided (Matthew 6:31-33). He is again speaking of our basic needs. God knows we have these needs, and once we seek His interest, we have no worry that they will be met.

Riches, Comfort and Security

We grew up with the belief that we are to go to school, get a good career, find a great job and secure ourselves in this world. Many times, we find ourselves occupied with doing these things, and we forget that our citizenship is in heaven. We are awaiting the saviour who will transform our bodies to be like His (Philippians 3:20-21). We often look for riches, comfort, and security. Why do we struggle on the rat wheel to become secure in this world when at any moment, Jesus can return, and it becomes all for nothing (Matthew 24:36)?

The Greatest Gift

God has already given us the greatest gift ever. We were sinners and cursed to pay the price for it. However, Jesus came and paid that price with His life, and so we have eternal salvation. What more can God give us that is better than this. He has demonstrated His great love for us by paying this price for us (Romans 5:8). Paul speaks of the blessing of joy, peace, and hope (Romans 15:13). God has already given us His peace, love, joy, and hope. What more can we seek for that we do not already have?

Suffering

We are not called to live a comfortable life here, but we are called to suffer. The word says that for the sake of Christ, we should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake (Philippians 1:29). Peter tells us that we should not be surprised when we find ourselves in fiery trials which comes to test us. But we should rejoice as we share in Christ’s suffering because His glory has been revealed (1 Peter 4:12-13). The word says that all who desires to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (1 Timothy 3:12).

So why are we surprised when we suffer? Why do we seek after riches and comfort? We are told that God will provide all that we need, He will not leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), but we are supposed to go through trials. But why?

Why do we have to Suffer?

We are told that those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness are blessed, and theirs is the kingdom of heaven. We are to rejoice when we are persecuted for the gospel as our reward is great in heaven (Matthew 5:10-12).

James says to count it joy when we meet trials because we know that the testing of our faith produces steadfastness (James 1:2-4). We suffer so that we get to practise our faith and get better at trusting God so that we can become perfect and complete. We suffer so that we may know Jesus and the power of the resurrection in the sharing of His suffering (Philippians 3:10).

We suffer to be comforted by our Lord Jesus Christ so that we can comfort others in affliction with that same comfort we have received (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). We suffer in the flesh so that we can cease from sin (1 Peter 4:3).

We Have Hope

But we are to take comfort as we have much hope. After we have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us (1 Peter 5:10). So, there is a hope we look forward to, knowing that we do not walk this suffering without help. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of all (Psalms 34:19).

We should be encouraged to know that these afflictions are preparing us an eternal weight of glory beyond comparison (2 Corinthians 4:17). The suffering is not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18). The word also says that blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life which is promised to those who love Him (James 1:12).

The word tells us that we should rejoice in suffering knowing that suffering produces endurance, which produces character, which produces hope (Romans 5:3-4). Suffering helps us to get better, to stay focussed on God and to be reminded to trust in Him and Him alone. And be comforted by the fact that those who shared abundantly in Christ’s suffering also share abundantly in comfort too (2 Corinthians 1:5). It should give us hope that God is helping us through it all. Romans tells us that for those who love God, all things work together for good for those that are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). When we suffer for righteousness sake, we will be blessed. Have no fear and do not be troubled (1 Peter 3:14).

Jesus said that in the world, we would have tribulation, but He said we should take heart as He has overcome the world (John 16:33). So, in this time of waiting for the rest of the unsaved to get a chance to accept the gospel, we have a commission, and it is not to live comfortably, rich and have no suffering. But we are to give all of ourselves to love all men so that the love of God is made known and hopefully will cause them to repent and be saved. So, we should be concerned with our Father’s business which is to reconcile all men back to Him, and eventually that rest, eternal joy and peace will come. And it will be worth it.  

So, do we want temporary gain that will disappear in the twinkling of an eye or do we want something more meaningful that will make us better and will last an eternity? True bliss that will never end that has no hidden sorrow or regret behind it like we often have when on this earth. So, let me rejoice to suffer for a short time and reap a great reward for eternity with our loving, great, awesome Father.

All photos were taken by Kyle or Vani. These photos are from the many adventures we have been blessed to experience together. We are so grateful for every blessing from God. No filters were used nor were the photos edited except for an occasional crop. We hope you enjoy.