God’s mission never lacks His resource. In a season when so many people are living amid much uncertainty, this timeless truth is an anchor for the disciple of Christ. In fact, God’s abundance is MOST OFTEN evident in times of uncertainty. One just needs to read through the Book of Acts to see this reality played out. But there is another truth that is inextricably linked to the God’s abundance that comes from Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” The question isn’t “if” God will provide. The question always is – are we seeking the Kingdom first? Often, we start heading down a path of seeking the Kingdom, only to get diverted when our circumstances change or crisis enters our lives such as illness, job loss, or relationship difficulties. If we choose to stay on that diverted path, we will only experience more loss, hardship, and pain.
Henri Nouwen says this, “The kingdom is where God provides all that we need. It is the realm of sufficiency where we are no longer pulled here and there by anxiety about having enough.” That word sufficiency is another Bible way of talking about abundance. The abundance of God comes to us in many forms – relational, material, finding purpose and peace. That sufficiency comes from our pursuit of Jesus Christ and His rule and reign over our lives and in our ministry to others. The moment our eyes shift away from seeking God’s Kingdom to our circumstances, we risk a lack of abundance, and not because He is withholding anything from us because He can’t provide it. It is always because we’ve left the space, that seeking the Kingdom space, where we can fully experience God’s rule and abundance.
So, let me ask you, what path are you on? The path that seeks the Kingdom via relationship with God and people (mission) or on a diverted path because you have been led away by your circumstances? So, if you’ve wandered, CHOOSE to get back on the path of seeking the Kingdom because only there will you experience the abundance of God and all that it entails. For some of us moving forward needs to start with prayer and repentance. For another it could be finishing out your Bible study strong. Still yet another might sow a financial seed in faith or taking a woman out for coffee to sow a spiritual seed in her. Whatever you sense your response must be, don’t wait. The losses are too great. We must keep a strong hold of Him and keep plowing forward into the fields that He leads us into despite the circumstances that present themselves.