Life can sometimes have a way that makes us question whether God sees and cares about our personal being. Perhaps one of your parents was abusive, divorced, raised by a single parent, or lived in foster care, which affected your self-worth. You may have grown up in a family where you were made to feel not good enough, or where siblings and others bullied you. Yet you kept hoping and moving forward to make the best you could of life. Life was very challenging, and you learned how to survive by understanding that life isn’t fair.
You may find some resemblance to success in education, in a career, finding a mate of your dreams, and raising a family. Then suddenly the curse of death visits, a dear family member or friend, and you are reminded that you can’t take anything for granted. So, you learn that each day is a gift, to be appreciated… for tomorrow is not promised.
Our idea of the “Abundant Life” doesn’t consider that life can turn upside down in an instant, and we will need God’s help to get through it. We may not see the need to have a relationship with Jesus Christ and being criticized for having a crutch. We may think there is no need for God’s grace and provision, because most of our lives, we have had to make the best out of what life brought our way. Over time, that belief can develop a subtle assumption that somehow, money will be the savior. Then we fall into the trap of deciding what is right, good, important, and valuable, until we are confronted with the death and separation of a loved one.
The menu of the “Abundant Life” is not written by us, because we are not the Creator… we are the created. We assume we know what is best for ourselves and lack the knowledge of the next day or the number of our days. God has provided us the “Abundant Life” through His Son, Jesus Christ. John 10:10 NKJV The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection assured everyone who believes in Him of life everlasting. May this Easter remind you of the great victory we share in Him over death. Happy Resurrection Day to all!
Celebrate with us and experience the Good Life at the Villages Community Chapel in Cribari Auditorium every Sunday at 10 a.m., where you will be encouraged by the Word of Life and enjoy coffee and cookies with friends. The chapel is a place where needs are met, faith is affirmed, and new friends are embraced. You can view our worship services on YouTube at www.villagescommunitychapel.vgcc.club