03/26/2022
What is enough for us? When we pray and ask God to provide things for us, what is it that we ask for, and how much of it does it take to satisfy us? More than that, at what point does God feel He has given us enough to satisfy His will, and purpose?
“The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever.”
Genesis 13:14-15 ESV
Abram and Lott returned home from Egypt with very large herds, and much wealth, but when they arrived it became obvious that they needed more wide open land to sustain both of their herds of sheep… so to avoid conflict they separated, and because Abram had been a peacemaker God told him to look out, and that all he saw in every direction would be his. This sounds extravagant, but these were very large herds of sheep, and many people depended on Abram. God was giving what it would take to sustain them. So He gave Abram much because of his righteousness, and more than this, He gave because He was preparing to fulfill His own perfect will for all mankind… He was setting into motion the future coming of Christ.
What about us? Is God working something in the world today, are we aware of it, and does His will require Him to give us vast wealth, or all the land we can see? More than likely we are not like Abram, but are more like all the people and family that surrounded him. Maybe all that is required of us is to listen to God’s voice, love Him with our entire being, and to be satisfied with His grace. If we are one of these of meager worldly possessions, here is the question we each must answer for ourselves… is that enough to satisfy our ambitions, our egos, and lavish wants?
“So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.”
2 Corinthians 12:7-8 ESV
If God chooses not to heal us like He chose not to heal Paul, will we be thankful… or become embittered? If our lives are simple, and we live hand to mouth will we look at those around us and covet their good health, wealth, or the other things in their lives, or will we kneel and say that God’s grace is truly enough for us? How much is enough?
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
I write poetry and other things, artists paint and create beauty, sculptors see images in stone, songwriters hear melodies as if they were dreams, lyricists have verses appear like sweet vapor in their minds. These are gifts just as certainly as being a parent, building like a carpenter, or any other creative pursuit is, and all of them come from God who is the great creator. What might not come from Him is how we choose to use our gifts, or if we allow them to become the focus of our lives rather than God who has given them to us.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 4:10-11 ESV
So back to our original two questions… how much is enough, and when does God feel He has given us enough? The answers to these questions are simple enough if we are honest with ourselves, and trust in His Word. What is enough is the original gift of grace that has been given each of us, and the answer to what God thinks is enough is that He gave us enough the very moment that this seed was planted in us.
Knowing these two answers we each have to answer two additional, and very personal questions. How we answer them will determine how we live, who we serve, and ultimately our salvation. First, are we able to accept the answers to the two original questions, and second, do our desires remain unsatisfied despite the fullness of the gifts we have received?
“For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich!”
1 Corinthians 4:7-8 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for every gift we receive as you prepare us to do your will, but thank you most for your gift of grace that is like a tiny pinch of yeast, and grows to fill us completely. Help us Father to keep our focus on you, and to give you the glory for every gift we receive. Let the proceeds from your grace fill the storerooms and larders of Heaven, and may its effect on us, and our lives, simply be sufficient. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who gives every good thing and creates all you give to fulfill your purposes and will. Praised be your name for the tiny portion of grace that grows within us, and becomes your glory. Have mercy on us Lord for those times when we claim your gifts as our own, acting as if your grace was earned, and then, by that same undeserved grace, turn our faces back towards you as we weep in contrition and plead for your forgiveness. Wash us in the blood of Jesus, purify us in Him, and call us your own. Judge us worthy of a seat at your table, and eternity in your presence.
“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”
Romans 12:6-8 ESV
“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.””
James 4:6 ESV
Rich Forbes