Unfulfilled Expecatations

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Cor 9:8)

Is He able to make all grace abound to you?

Well, if so, what’s going on? You’ve moved in faith. You’re becoming generous. You’re trying to be faithful. Shouldn’t life now be a bed of roses? Why does it seem like everything connected to you is hitting the toilet? Or, why is your life falling apart?

Well, you could chalk it up to spiritual warfare but I don’t think the devil deserves that much credit. Even what he means for evil, God means for good (Gen 50:20, Rom 8:28).

So, then, what is God doing?

Well, He’s giving you the opportunity to fulfill the scriptural foundation that was presented to us. What was that foundation?

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Cor 9:8)

This is both a test and a blessing. You’re are surrounded by people you know and love who are going through hard times. NOW is the time to step boldly in faith based on God’s promise to make all grace abound to us. NOW is the time, when surrounded by the needs of those we love to begin to walk in those good works.

Let’s be honest. There are attacks against you and people connected to you and your church. Let’s not pretend this isn’t happening or that it’s just normal. But the attacks are not the point. We are the saints of God – those who are being equipped to DO the work of the gospel (Eph 4). While this is a difficult time, it is a time FILLED with grace.

This is a time to step into intercession as a prayer warrior. This is a time to step into service by ministering to hurting people. This is a time to extend yourself in generosity towards those in and out of our local body.

You will be tested. You will be stretched. You will be frustrated. You will succeed and you will fail. But it will be good. Because God will be there with you. Because you will be formed into the image of Christ, who, came as a servant both to minister and to give up his life (Phil 2:5-11).

And you have been given the glorious opportunity to minister to the body of Christ, to enter into a different kind of relationship with the Father, and to experience the Spirit in new ways!