Lack on any level is an enemy.
We were not created by God to struggle with lack throughout our lives. This is seen in the way God placed Adam and Eve in a garden where every need was
met. We see it in God’s covenants. The knowledge of those covenants caused David, a former shepherd, to make this bold declaration: “The Lord is my
Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.” (Psalm 23:1 AMP).
God’s dream is that His family live without lack. Lack is at the opposite of the abundant life Jesus came to give us. Jesus said, “The thief does not come
except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 NKJV).
Yes, we do face adversity and struggles. Every trial, tribulation, or trouble has the potential of leading us into unbelief, frustration, or confusion.
The way we handle these times of trouble determines our success in coming out of lack and into abundance. James 1:2-4 says,
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect
work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (NKJV).
Now that we are in Christ, we are on a God-given course to lacking nothing. But to continue on the road to lacking nothing, we must not be distracted by
the trials that arise.
Our part is to walk in Biblical principles that will empower us to attack the lack. The first vital priority toward lacking nothing is to put God and His
Word first in our lives—before busyness or business. God must be first before our family, ourselves, our job, or our personal interests. Put
Him first in all that we do, and He will direct us. Proverbs 3:6 in The Living Bible says, “In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct
you and crown your efforts with success.”
Jesus settled this issue when He dealt with Mary and Martha. Martha had invited Jesus to her home. When her sister, Mary, sat at Jesus’ feet listening
to His words, it upset Martha. She said to Jesus: “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me”
(Luke 10:40 NKJV).
Jesus answered Martha saying, “…Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good
part, which will not be taken away from her” (v. 41).
Martha wanted to serve the Lord, but she was distracted by many things. Her self-imposed sense of responsibility kept her from the most important thing
she could have done—listen to Jesus.
Many times the greatest thing we can do is to sit down and let Jesus teach us in the depths of a quiet heart. Busyness does not mean we are accomplishing
what God wants. Jesus did not come to Martha’s house to eat; He came to impart something. Mary was the one who had chosen to receive what He came to
give.
Let’s make the decision to put God’s Word first place in our lives and receive what He has come to impart to us. He will not disappoint us!
