the abundant life.

"...I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly..." --John 10:10

What would life be like if we had no reservations, no restraints, no fears, no hang-ups, no doubts? How much different would my faith journey be if my eyes were fixed always on Christ, and not on my own insecurities? What would it be like if we lived faith instead of just talked about it? What would happen if "reckless abandon" became more than a cliché phrase, but became characteristic of our lives…of my life?

I believe this is the life Jesus talks about in John 10:10—the abundant life.  A life fully armored against Satan’s attempts to steal, kill, and destroy our joy, contentment, satisfaction, identity, and purpose. Satan always breaks his “promises.” Jesus never does. And, the promise of abundant life is ours...it is mine.

The other day, I was in a conversation with a friend, and in the midst of it, my friend pointed out something about my character that alarmed me, something that I have never realized before.  "Kelly, you never let anyone get too close," my friend said.  And, while my first response was to become defensive, at least in my spirit, upon reflection...my friend was absolutely right.  So often the walls come up when things get too personal, too "close to home," or too vulnerable.   

I say this only because I know that I am not alone.  Satan's attacks may vary from person to person--but his aim is always to cripple us.  Satan does not want us to catch even a glimpse of the wonderfully abundant life that God has in store for us, not just in Heaven, but right here...right now.  He has designed for us to experience an abundance of power, of joy, of community and relationships, of grace, of mercy, and of love.  I want to experience life for all that He desires for it to be--without masks, without hindrances...just free.

This morning I read again the story of Mary & Martha.  I have felt a pull this year between those two women more than ever before in my life--and I must say, my natural inclination is always to "do."  But, I believe, before we can ever experience life in abundance, we have to learn to develop the priority of just sitting & being.  We must be able to look at all that must be done and all that seems urgent and say, "He’s better."  It all comes down to this one thing--worship.  What am I going to worship?  Will I worship Him or my own insecurities?  Him or my own fears?  Him or my doubts?  Him or my to-do list?

It is so hard for us to grasp all that is available for us as believers if we would but recieve it!  There is nothing we could ever do to deserve or to earn it.  We've only to accept it, to worship Him...and then to walk in the abundant life that He offers us.

<3 Kelly