Start from zero
By Christopher Myers
Abundant is defined as (a life) being marked by great plenty and amply supplied or abounding. Life is knowing that one’s soul is redeemed and has become eternal. Only Jesus gives us this assurance and it is within the communion of the Spirit and our souls where we find living proof of this life.
But I just discovered that even as a believer I was not living my life from the right perspective of abundance, rather I was resentful and lived out of angry pursuit of what I felt I was meant to have. Born out of childhood abandonment and dread, a slow creeping tide covered the freedom of accepting purely God’s definition and provision of abundance. I had developed a scorecard of what I wanted and how I wanted it. It could have been the right gift from my parents to show me that they loved me. It might have been the exceptional productivity of an employee to meet an obligation. It may have been satisfying a goal in a way that I’d grown accustomed to meet financial obligations. In each of these examples, when the expected result was not delivered, I was disdainful of that person (yes, including myself) and resentful toward God. After all, if he can do anything, why did he not prove his love and abilities by delivering what I’d asked for according to my definition of abundance?
Chronic delays or failures of projects kept bringing the same response in my soul: why is God allowing this, when he can do anything and knows I need the financial boost? I shared this conundrum with family, friends and business contacts. The most blunt response was: “Welcome to the fallen world.” When Adam and Eve disobeyed in the Garden of Eden, their purity and sinless behavior was forever removed—The Fall— and as descendants, we too are fallen.
In talking with my financial advisor, he reminded me that as a business owner it is imperative to not get caught up in the results of others or myself as indicative of where I am within abundance. The abundant life, as a believer is defined, regulated, authored and owned by God. It is divine and limitless. My definition of abundance was to pay off debts, keep my home and pay my bills with projects I felt sure God was providing. When they fell through, I was unwilling to cooperate with God’s vision and plans by accepting it was simply a no go, because I had my expectations and my ways. I had become desperate for finances and began looking to them to be my abundance. I was operating my life from a resentful attitude toward God.
This has become my antidote: Habakkuk 3:17-19. Abundance is rejoicing and being joyful in God our Savior for he is our strength and enables us to go on the heights!
Christopher Myers is a designer/writer/forgiven sinner and has fellowshipped with believers around the world. Faith is his passion. Email him at c.myers@me.com