Abundant Life or Abundant Pantries: Which Do you Desire?

Yesterday I went to Wegman’s Grocery store after my chemotherapy treatment.  This is considered a high end market, always over flowing the isles in abundance.  Shelves are lined with beautiful fruits and vegetables, artisan breads, sushi, pastries…You name it, Wegman’s carries it.  But yesterday, the isles were completely bare of meat, there was no flour.  There were no beautiful pastries to look at or gourmet sushi to admire.  Armed guards stood at the check out line and everyone seemed on edge.  It was surreal to say the least.  Anyhow, I managed to get a few items I needed and stocked up on my cat’s favorite litter. 

I was contemplating on this experience as I drove home.  What a society we have become.  I include myself.  We grab everything we can to provide for our needs, for the fear of running out.  Thieves are stealing provisions.  Some are hording and selling necessities on the black market.  Instead, we as a society should be sharing and helping out our neighbor.  We worry more about our own health and well being than the collective good of our fellow man. 

One of my favorite passages is John 10.  Jesus talks about himself as the good shepherd as well as the gate through which one may receive eternal life.  He said in verses 9 and 10, ^“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.^[a] They will come in and go out, and find pasture. ¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”

With Jesus, we will never lack anything.  Yes, we may run out of flour and meat and perhaps you will run out of healthy days in your bodies, but with Christ, We will NEVER run out of the love our Savior has for us.  He is the abundant life.  Abundance is found in Him, NOT in stuff and yes, not in other people or our careers or our health. 

Imagine what a much better world this would be, if more people headed the words of Christ.  I have breast cancer.  I don’t fear death, because I know I have already conquered it.  Christ conquered death on the cross for me.  He died so that my sins would be forgiven, and I can come before God the Father and live with Him in eternity.  Christ and I have a beautiful relationship.  Christ strengthens me when I feel weak or scared (Psalm 46: 1-3).  Christ encourages me when I feel defeated (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).  Christ comforts me when I hurt (2 Corinthians 1:3).

If you are feeling anxiety, or fear during this Corona crisis…you can find peace.  Pick up the bible and start reading the gospel of John.  Stop and get on your knees and seek God.  Let Him know your fears.  God already knows them.  He also knows you are not perfect, but He will accept you and your prayers.  Enter His gate and walk through.  The abundant life God promises is waiting.  He is just waiting for you, to take those steps.