We all share a common desire – to live the good life. We want joy, happiness, and fulfillment. But what does that really mean, and how do we achieve it?
Jesus himself spoke of this longing, saying “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). This promise of abundant life isn’t just about eternity – it’s for the here and now. God desires for us to experience true richness and meaning in our daily lives.
Yet we all know that life is hard. Work stress, family drama, financial worries, relationship struggles – these challenges can make the idea of an “abundant life” seem like an unattainable fantasy. How can we reconcile the difficulties we face with the promise of a life overflowing with goodness?
The key lies in where we fix our gaze. Jesus taught that instead of anxiously pursuing worldly needs, we should “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). When we keep our focus on God rather than our circumstances, He provides what we truly need.
This may sound like simplistic, churchy advice – “just look to Jesus and everything will work out!” But there’s profound truth here that we often miss. Consider the story of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33). As long as Peter kept his eyes fixed on Jesus, he was able to do the impossible. It was only when he became distracted by the wind and waves that he began to sink.
Similarly, we sink into anxiety, fear and despair when we become fixated on the storms of life around us. But if we can keep our gaze steady on Christ, we find ourselves lifted above the tumult into a place of peace and possibility.
This principle is beautifully illustrated in the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42). While Martha busied herself with preparations, becoming “distracted with much serving,” Mary simply sat at Jesus’ feet, soaking in his presence and teaching. When Martha complained, Jesus gently corrected her: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
How often do we, like Martha, become consumed with the tasks and troubles of daily life, missing out on the “one thing” that’s truly necessary – intimate connection with Jesus? We may feel productive, but we’re actually neglecting the very source of the abundant life we seek.
Martin Luther, the great reformer, understood this paradox well. When asked about his demanding schedule, he reportedly said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Luther recognized that true productivity and effectiveness flow from time spent in God’s presence, not frantic activity.
This brings us to a crucial question: do we really believe that God is more capable than we are? Do we trust that He has more influence and power to bring about what we need than our own striving? If we’re honest, many of us live as if it all depends on us. We exhaust ourselves trying to create our own “best life” rather than fixing our eyes on Jesus and allowing Him to lead us into true abundance.
The good news of Easter is that through Christ’s resurrection, we have access to a completely new kind of life. The Apostle Paul declares, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4).
This new life isn’t just about behavior modification or trying harder to be “good.” It’s about being filled and empowered by the very Spirit of God. Paul goes on to say, “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you” (Romans 8:11).
Here we encounter a profound mystery – the same power that resurrected Jesus now dwells in us! This indwelling Spirit enables us to live as Jesus lived and do the things Jesus did. We often put artificial limits on what’s possible in our spiritual lives, believing that Jesus could do miraculous things only because He was divine. But Jesus himself said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12).
How is this possible? Because when Jesus ascended, He sent the Holy Spirit to empower His followers. Jesus explained, “It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7).
This doesn’t mean we become divine ourselves. But it does mean that through the Spirit, we can experience the same intimate connection with the Father that Jesus had. We can tap into the same source of wisdom, love, and power that fueled His earthly ministry.
Living this Spirit-empowered life is the true path to abundance. It’s not about accumulating wealth or achieving worldly success. Rather, it’s about having our deepest needs met directly by God Himself. Where we seek security in money, God offers unshakable refuge. Where we chase after popularity and recognition, God pours out unconditional love and affirmation. The abundant life satisfies the soul’s truest longings in a way that temporary pleasures never can.
This Easter season, let’s challenge ourselves to realign our focus. Instead of striving in our own strength to create the life we want, let’s fix our eyes on Jesus. Let’s cultivate intimacy with Him through prayer, worship, and meditation on Scripture. As we do, we’ll find ourselves empowered by His Spirit to live with supernatural peace, joy, and effectiveness – even in the midst of life’s storms.
The abundant life Jesus promises isn’t a distant ideal. It’s available here and now to all who will receive it. Will you open your heart today to experience the resurrection power of Christ, allowing His Spirit to breathe new life into every area of your being? This is the invitation of Easter – to step into a life overflowing with the goodness of God.
Sermon Recaps are based on my original messages delivered at Grace Christian Church.
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