I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

- John 10:9-10 English Standard Version

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

- Romans 8:31,37 New International Version

I know, I know.  We hear that and immediately think of monetary gain.  And I have to admit, that’s how I’ve heard it preached a time or two from pulpits that I won’t mention.  The idea of living a comfortable life with no struggles – financially or otherwise—is a pretty “ear-itching” one (take a look at Matthew 8:20).  Trust me, if that’s what the verse genuinely means, then that would be fabulous.  But in serving a God who is so big on our heart condition, I’m not sold on the idea that the tangible material of life is what the Lord meant when He told us about abundant life.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

- John 16:7 NIV

Perhaps it meant that it was not His intention for us to live under the control of bondage and strongholds.  Sometimes we feel steam-rolled; like the issues of life just hit us over and over again and that we can only stand still and take it. 

Every now and again, when I struggle with the same spiritual issues over and over, when it feels like the Enemy is throwing a monkey wrench into my life for sport, I feel this ‘righteous indignance’ flood my spirit.  I have to decree and declare, to myself and to the enemy, exactly who I am.  If we have accepted Christ as our Savior, we are His children.  This abundant life we talk about is the reason Christ came to save us.  He offers us wholeness and healing.  Victorious living. He holds the keys to death, hell and the grave!  I don’t believe He wants us to just barely eek out a spiritual living, but to live a life of Holy Spirit-derived boldness.

Is this the abundant life you are living?  I often ask myself that question.  Even now, I can’t help but to be a little introspective.  Let’s search our spirits and then stand boldly upon the Word of God.  If you haven’t already, surrender your life to Him and allow Him to operate through you.  Claim that abundant life of freedom and victory in Jesus.

Shari Grant is a Registered Nurse in South Florida, where she was raised in a (very!) Jamaican home. Some of the loves of her life are words (both reading and writing them) and missions work. She enjoys spending time with friends and family while living for a good laugh - one that makes her belly ache and her eyes water. Her bottom line goal in life is to make the Lord smile and maybe even serve Him up a chuckle from time to time, too.