Today is a big day for my husband. Well, really it’s a big day for our family. Tonight is his first football game as the head coach for Blaine High School.
GAME DAY BABY!

We were up early this morning; in the Word, on our knees, and elbow deep in coffee.

So. Much. Coffee.

We are tired. SO tired. Maybe more tired than we have ever been before.

But we are also grateful. And expectant. And in awe of God’s hand.

This is abundant life. I’m sure of it.

We are facing each day dependent on God to help us accomplish something that is too big for us to do alone. Walking down a path that we feel he called us to and is leading us down. Trusting him to provide what we need, protect us from satan’s attacks, and enable us with the power of his Spirit. Living a fully surrendered life, totally dependent on him. And loving it.

We have joy, peace and life like never before. I’m not exaggerating when I say that blessings rain down from the most unexpected places every day. We see his hand everywhere.

Don’t get me wrong, we also face a myriad of challenges. Sometimes, it feels like the challenges stack up so high they block out the sunshine. I couldn’t list them all if I tried. But bigger than the challenges, we feel a power and purpose from our Father that reveals his glory and deepens our trust in Him daily.

Abundant life.

So this morning when I read John 10:10, my eyes welled up and overflowed with tears because I can feel its truth deep in my soul, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” Another version reads, “I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

Abundant life. A rich and satisfying life.

Not to be confused with wealth and riches.

Because there is a difference between a wealthy life and an abundant life.

A difference between storing up treasures on earth and storing up treasures in heaven.

A difference between chasing money and chasing God’s purpose.

Maybe I have overflowing gratitude because I’ve done both. I’ve chased money because I bought the lie that money leads to happiness and success and security. I thought that if I just had more money, I would be GOOD.

But money didn’t bring me any of those things. Instead, I was lonely and empty and dissatisfied.

I was consumed by stuff; the need for it and the chase of it. And to what end? It never satisfied me for long. It didn’t bring my life purpose. Pretty soon, I needed the next best, newest, shiniest thing. It actually stole my joy.

I should have known better. Had I been in the Word more, I would have. Jesus is pretty clear when it comes to our desires; both in John 10:10 and in Matthew 6:19: “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, I where moth and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

I lived that truth and my desires almost destroyed me.

The desire of my heart is no longer for money, it’s Jesus. It’s no longer wealth but abundance. He is what I seek. What my family seeks. We gave him our lives and told him to have his way.

It’s not easy.

It requires sacrifice.

And lots of coffee.

But it’s an abundant life full of joy, and peace and purpose. Our Good Shepherd provides all that we need and blesses us beyond measure.

His life flows through us… we can feel it and it’s awesome.

Tonight, I get to sit in the stands and watch my husband walk out his dream as he leads his hometown football team onto the field. Every time I imagine it, I cry. Because I can see the hand of God so clearly in our lives that it overwhelms my heart. Isn’t that what happens when we come face to face with the God of the Universe? His presence is overwhelming.

Abundant.

Dear friend, what is it that you seek? Where is the desire of your heart? Are you living for abundance or chasing wealth?  

This is what I know: He is all we need. All that satisfies. All that fills the longing of our souls.

A life lived for Jesus is an abundant life.

Let’s chase him together. Be in the Word together. Get on our knees together. Do radical things to show the world his love together. As always, I love to hear from you; whether its a prayer request or a story of his faithfulness. Let’s do this faith journey together.