Monday Memo 1211: Abundance
When I'm in Africa, I spend a lot of time thinking about home. When I'm home, I spend a lot of time talking and thinking about Africa. In keeping with this pattern, today I think I'll write about a lesson I learned in Africa that pertains to our series theme of purpose and finances..
I've been on numerous game drives throughout Africa, and always take my groups to experience one for at least a day. It never gets old no matter how many drives I take wherever they may be. The Maasai Mara in Kenya happens to be my favorite area for a drive or safari as it's called there. There's one outstanding lesson I take away from every game drive I take, and that lesson is abundance. Let me explain.
PLENTY
When we go on a drive, we go through many square miles of nothing but grass and trees. We usually see warthogs, wildebeests, lions, giraffes, elephants, and many other creatures (I took this picture while on a recent drive). Unless there are unusual circumstances that create a drought, there's always plenty for everyone to eat. Granted, they may eat one another, but there never seems to be any lack.
While we were in Kenya one August, the annual migration had begun. More than one million wildebeests and even more zebra come into the Mara area from Tanzania for a few months to feed on the high Mara grass. Can you imagine how much grass it takes to feed millions of animals for one month? Yet there is always plenty for all comers. And the animals who migrate feed the lions, hyenas, and crocodiles who eagerly await their arrival.
I never see any anxiety among the animals. When they are hungry, they eat. When they are tired, they sleep. When they are thirsty, they look for and usually find water. Everything they need, they have. So if God can provide such abundance in their world, why don't I believe that He can produce it in my world as well?
MONEY
I marvel when I travel to cities where millions of people live. How does everyone get fed? How is there adequate water for those residents to drink, bathe, eliminate waste, and cook? How is there enough electricity? How can there be enough housing for most of the people? Truth is, the same abundance in those cities just like on the plains of Africa where the animals roam.
If God is able to take care of millions of people and animals, He can certainly take care of me. Yet, I don't always believe that and get anxious when I don't have my provision in my pocket where I can touch it or know where and when it will arrive if it's not in my bank account.
Do you believe in this abundance I am describing? Don't answer too quickly. If you do, then why don't you start your business, publish your book, or take that trip you have been talking about for years? Is it because you don't have the money? Why would money be exempt from the abundance principle that we see all around us?
THREE THOUGHTS
May I offer three thoughts that may help you include money in your abundance philosophy.
- Money is included in God's abundant provision for life. When Peter needed money to pay his temple tax in Matthew 17:27, Jesus sent him to the lake to pull out a fish that had the required money in its mouth. That story alone tells us that God has no problem providing you with the money you need to do His will.
- When you need money, you will have money—not before. Don't wait to make your plans until you have money. Make your plans and the money will be there when you need it.
- When God provides for you, He hasn't taken it away from someone else. There isn't a fixed amount of currency in the world. God can create wealth and money just like any other entity. Therefore, your blessing doesn't come at the expense of someone else. You don' t have to be ambivalent or guilty about your provision or worry that you are asking for too much.
God provides for the animals and for millions who live in cities. He can also provide for you as you seek to be productive and fulfill your creative purpose. I would suggest that you examine your attitude about abundance this week, especially where money is concerned. Then armed with new confidence, I urge you to make great plans that will enable you to count on God's abundance as you carry out His will. Have a great week!