What's It All About...?

We just finished watching a movie tonight at our church. "Love's Enduring Promise", based on the books by Janette Oke. A bit cheesy, but it made a rather pointed...um, point.

That, coupled with the books God has led me to read lately, causes me to rethink some things. Things such as pain, loss and suffering.

We're told quite often, especially in James and I and II Peter to expect to suffer. "Count it all joy", "when trials come"--not if, "for your suffering builds" this and that and the other virtue.

But juxtaposed with Jesus' own promise that He "came to give us life, and give it to the full" (or as some translations put it--abundantly), how does it all fit? What's the answer to the age old question "why do bad things happen to good people"?

The answer lies in the definition of "abundance".

When Jesus promises us abundance, does He mean fat wallets, substantial bank accounts, full pantries, warrantied vehicles, and better homes (and gardens!)? Maybe...but not likely.

If you doubt me, read about Jesus' own life. If the King of Heaven lived like a vagabond and ate with others at their invitation, not the other way around...what can we expect?

I believe the answer to abundance is this...

When the diagnosis isn't good, and the worst possible could happen...knowing that to the believer, it is the greatest gain.

When your spouse or friend abandons you for no reason other than they can...knowing there is One who will never, ever leave...no matter what.

When the food supply dwindles, and your stomach growls...knowing that you can still feast on the Bread of Life that will fill your soul's content.

When you snap, crackle and pop without eating breakfast cereal every morning...knowing that one day a glorified body awaits you that will be friskier than any puppy, more flexible than any Olympic gymnast, and more limber than any deer.

When the clouds of depression refuse to part and let the light in...knowing that the joy of the Lord is your strength, and you don't have to dredge it up from yourself.

When evil seems to be overtaking the world and wounding those you love...knowing that He will ride in on a ride like no other and cry "It is finished!" and it finally will be as it was always meant to be.

When death takes a loved one and we grieve the loss...knowing that we are merely storing up our treasures in Heaven (if we will get busy sharing our faith).

When the things of this life pull, tug and lure you to the point of singing that old hymn "prone to wander, Lord, I feel it! Prone to leave the One I love"...knowing that one day you will sit at His feet with nothing else to do than to worship Him like you've always longed to do, with no distractions, no temptations...and No. More. Sin.

I think THAT'S the life abundant Jesus promised us.

Now, do I live it? No way, girlfriend! At least, not as much as I long to. And oh, how I long to live this way!!

And anyone who tries to convince you that they DO live this way, 24/7/365...don't believe it. We can't. We try. We fall. We get back up, and try again and again. And we live this life, knowing He knows we are jars of clay, holding the holy within us in His Spirit.

I'm trying. How about you? And isn't that what it's all about?

I'm just sayin'...

Deena