Overflowing Abundance… or Just Enough?

Some friends and I got together recently to talk about our faith journeys. One I’ve known for a long time and am inspired by… the other two are fairly new friends, but I treasure them immensely as well. Perhaps you’ll see why, after I share this conversation (with the relevant woman’s permission).

This particular woman is in a Bible study group, and remarked upon how in the Old Testament, God provides “just enough”–just enough manna. Just enough relief for the Israelites. Just in time action to prevent Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac.

Yet, in the New Testament, Christ provides abundance, whether it’s good wine, loaves and fishes, or comfort. There’s always plenty, not just what his followers need to get by.

My friends and I spent a good amount of time talking about our willingness… or lack of willingness… to accept abundance. We looked to John’s Gospel and discussed the man with infirmities, who couldn’t give Jesus a direct answer when he was asked if he wanted to be healed. Why now?

Too often, we decided, we ask God for just enough… “Help me get through this presentation today”; “grant me safe travels today”; “help me deal with the jerk in my life.” We don’t ask for the greater gifts of faith and grace and mercy.

I wonder why that is. Because we don’t think we’re worthy? Because we fail to get the big picture? Because we mix up living in the now and living in faith? Maybe a little of each. And maybe, just maybe, because it’s scary to accept just how large God’s love is for us.

The choice is ours.