Navigating Change: Following the Footsteps of JesusSample

More Than Enough

In John 14, Jesus shares multiple gifts He’s giving to His disciples—the gift of a permanent place with Him, the gift of His Spirit, and the gift of His peace. By giving these gifts, He’s demonstrating a powerful truth that we can apply on a practical level.

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:26-27 NIV

Jesus doesn’t give like the world gives. What does that mean? For one, the way of the world is to only give when we feel like we have enough for ourselves. But Jesus gives generously with no strings attached.

Often, in transitional seasons, our grip around our resources—physical, mental, and emotional—tightens because we inherently know that days of dealing with change will require more from us.

But Jesus modeled the exact opposite. Instead of holding tightly to what was His, He gave it freely. He chose to leave us with His peace when He was about to step into the most unsettling, anxiety-inducing moments of His life. That is selfless love. And, radical trust.

Jesus so trusted the Father to take care of Him that He offered what it probably felt like He needed most.

You can think about God like the host of a party. If you trust the generosity of the host, you can show up at the party with an abundance mentality, willing to share what you have because you believe to the core of your being that there will be enough. Enough good food, enough of the host’s attention, and enough grace for you to come as you are.

But, if you don’t trust the host and His generosity, you will show up at the party differently. You’ll overfill your plate to make sure you get all the good stuff in one go. You’ll insert yourself in what looks like the most important group of people. You’ll panic if it looks like another group is having more fun than yours. You’ll over-extend yourself to the point of social exhaustion and present yourself in whatever light you think is necessary to ensure you get noticed.

You will miss out on any opportunity to enjoy the party.

When this is how we approach life and its changing seasons, we miss any opportunity to enjoy it and the unique gifts found in each season.

So, as you move from one season to another, identify where you tend to have a scarcity mentality. Where do you find yourself worrying that you won’t have enough?

Then, with selfless love and radical trust, look for ways to live generously in that area.

If you find yourself worrying that you don’t have enough time, think of one way you can be more generous with your time. Can you call a friend and just listen to them? Can you step into a new regular serving opportunity? Can you plan a series of lunches to thank people who've had an impact on you?

Whatever your thing is, combat the lie that will keep you from the freedom and joy that comes from trusting that God is a good host. And even more personally, that He’s a good Dad who takes care of His kids.

Stop and consider: What’s a gift you can offer those around you? What stops you from being generous with that gift? How will you combat the lie of scarcity and move through your next transition with a more-than-enough mentality?