Today’s guest post is contributed by Tammy Vanella, a writer, dog-lover and minister of the gospel from Northern California.
One of my favorite annual traditions is Thanksgiving and one of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is leftovers. My family looks forward to the leftovers year after year – one of my goals is to have more than enough food, so that my guests can go home satisfied, with plates piled high with a next-day meal. But in order to have enough to share, I first must exceed the usual amount. I am always grateful for the extra to share with others. This is when I can say:
“Thank you, Lord, for giving me more than enough. For out of the overflow of Your abundance You have exceeded my need.”
But I also recall times when abundance was not part of my experience. Times when scarcity left my plate looking empty rather than full and when leftovers were only a wish. In fact, there was a time when I ran out of food completely – cupboards bare and stomach aching. In my time of desperation, God responded by delivering several boxes of military Meals Ready to Eat (or MREs as they are affectionately called). While they were not exactly what I wanted at the time, I can look back now in humble gratitude because they were precisely what I needed in the moment. This is when I can say:
“Thank you, Lord, for how you provide. For where I once had nothing you gave me something and for that, You exceeded my need.”
In each of our lives, abundance and scarcity often share two halves of the same plate, divided only by our individual circumstances. Sometimes we feast from abundance, other times from scarcity. But regardless of the uncertainty over our physical needs, material possessions or economic status, we can be sure of one thing: Jesus is our true abundance.
While we tend to measure abundance by the greatness of our need, God measures abundance by the greatness of how He meets those needs through His Son, Jesus.
In Greek, the word for “abundance” is “perissos”. One of the definitions for “perissos” is: exceeding some number or measure or rank or need. In other words – more.
Whatever our daily need in this life is, Jesus exceeds that need 365 days a year. In Him, we are never empty. He is always full and always giving more to us, giving us abundance, even in times of scarcity.
What is your exceeding need today?
- Do you hunger to know Him more intimately? Jesus can offer you grace and peace when you draw close to Him. He offers knowledge of God and secrets of the kingdom of heaven when you choose to spend time with Him. Jesus is the exceeding Truth your heart seeks after. (Jeremiah 33:6, Matthew 13:12 & 2 Peter 1:2)
- Are you hurting? Jesus pours out His endless mercy and peace upon you. In your pain, His lovingkindness and comfort are always readily available. (2 Corinthians 1:5, Isaiah 63:7, Jude 1:2 & Psalm 72:7)
- Are you in need of support or help? Jesus provides counselors for victory in the midst of your immediate circumstance so that you are never alone. (Proverbs 11:14)
- Do you struggle with feelings of inadequacy or failure? Jesus gives you all grace and sufficiency in everything you do to be successful. He offers you the gift of righteousness as a reminder of your great worth and value to Him and to others. (Romans 5:17, 2 Corinthians 9)
- Do you need hope for the future? Jesus is the One who sets you free from eternal death and suffering by offering you Life and Life to the full. (John 10:10)
Each new day presents another chance to feast at the table with Jesus. As you choose to enter into relationship with Him, you can trust Him to meet your exceeding needs.
In what way has Jesus been your abundance or exceeded your need, regardless of your circumstance?