what is abundant?

The Only Source of Abundant Life
by Barry Bennett

I have spent years ministering to people who have questions about their lives, their direction, their health, financial issues, marriage issues and many other topics. The ministry is often about giving counsel and direction and helping those who are facing a time of need.

However, if a believer continually needs others to give them guidance, there will always be lack in their life. Abundant life cannot come from counseling. We were created to hear God and live by His Word.

“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”
Matthew 4:4

The only Source of abundant life, peace, health and direction is the living Word of God. Until we are hearing God for ourselves, we will never enter into the exceeding, abundant life that God has purposed for us. Counsel is fine for a new believer, but every believer should be dedicated to hearing God. How many mistakes could we have avoided in life if we had simply taken the time to listen for the still, small voice?

“Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live.”
Isaiah 55:3

God created us with the capacity to hear Him. He is always speaking. He speaks through His written Word which is Spirit and life (John 6:63, John 20:31, 2 Cor. 4:13). He speaks by the Spirit to our spirit (Rom. 8:16). He speaks through the preaching of the gospel (Acts 2:36-38).

In a ministry time with people I usually ask, “What is God saying to you?” I am often met with a blank stare. Therein lies the problem. You cannot have faith and wisdom for your life if you aren’t hearing God. You are left to your own finite knowledge and feelings. Most of us would acknowledge that we have made poor decisions when left to our own resources. Faith has only one source.

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Romans 10:17

If you aren’t hearing God or being quickened by His Word, it is time to change the focus of your life. Will you become addicted to His word and expect to hear Him? That is abundant life.