The Answer 

By Calvary Women

On day one of this reading plan, we discovered that Jesus is the door to experience life to the fullest. But we want you to understand something . . . He isn’t just the pathway to get abundant life; He IS abundant life. He IS our life (Colossians 3:4)! 

The life of a Christ follower is abundant and full and satisfying because it is a life that follows Christ. In Him, we find identity, belonging, and purpose. In Him, we find joy, peace, hope, comfort, strength, grace, wisdom, courage, endurance, compassion, and so much more. It’s all found in a relationship with Him. That’s why we say that a relationship with Jesus changes everything. 

Now, one of the most transformational aspects of being in relationship with God is the new perspective in which you see the world. As you continue to grow closer to God through Christ, you gain a new outlook on your current circumstances. others. 

If you have ever used an old film camera, you know that in order to capture a photo you cannot simply point and shoot at the scene. There is a process behind taking a beautiful photo. First, you look through the lens. As you direct the camera gaze towards the scene that you’re shooting, it is most like a blurry scene. It requires you to pause, and focus the lens to see clearly. 

As we follow God, we begin to look at life through a new lens. Our perspective is clarified and focused through getting to know the Lord through reading Scripture, talking to Him through prayer, and engaging in life-giving community with other women who are following Jesus.

We cannot control our circumstances, but we can control our perspective. 

In Romans, the apostle Paul challenges the church of Rome to think differently. He says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2 NLT).

The more that God has for you doesn’t necessarily mean that life will be easy. It doesn’t mean more money. It doesn’t mean that you’ll automatically get accepted to your dream university, or that your marriage will be restored overnight.  However, He promises to be with you at every moment in the journey (Hebrews 13:5. Psalm 139:7). He promises to give you peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:4–7, John 14:12). He promises to work all things together for good (Romans 8:28). 

Consider Paul’s words to the Philippians: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12–14 NIV). This commonly quoted verse is actually more accurately phrased: “Through Christ, I have strength in all things.”

Paul wanted to convey a lesson to the Philippians that whether we have nothing to our name, or we have an embarrassment of riches, God’s grace alone is what satisfies and suffices. It is more than enough for us to experience joy, peace, and contentment. Even if we have nothing, we have everything because we have Christ! And because of this, because we have Him and He has us, we are able to endure or bear anything that has come—and will come—our way through the strength and peace Christ supernaturally provides.

The word strength (ischyō) means to face the “necessary resistance that brings what the Lord defines as success.” It’s a term that refers to the Lord strengthening us with all that is necessary for us to endure and achieve that for which He gives us faith. So, despite whatever is going on around you, you can still experience the abundant life, you can still walk in joy and have peace. To experience the life that God has for you, you just have to shift your perspective. 

PAUSE: What failed expectations do I have? How does a relationship with Jesus change my perspective?

PRACTICE: Choose one action step towards shifting your perspective. (ex: Join a group, begin journaling your prayers). 

PRAY: “God, help me to take one step towards living the life that you have for me. Thank you for giving me life to the full.”