“In all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV.
Sufficiency is more about access to ample resources than possession of assets.
My thoughts and comments today are about “sufficiency.”
Most people are not trying to acquire and accumulate as much stuff as they can. People just want enough to have confidence that they will have what is adequate, if and when they need it. At some point, everyone has felt the fear that their limited means would be insufficient in an emergency. Your inadequacy is true, but His sufficiency is more true. “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient . .” 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 NKJV.
The difference among people is not that their needs differ; we all have similar basic needs. Some assume what they have is all they have. You will find security in the conviction and trust that all God has is what you will have, as needed. The first results in anxiety; the latter produces assurance. “You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance. Psalm 65:11 NKJV.
Sufficiency is more about access to ample resources than one’s possession of assets. After Jesus’ lengthy discourse about daily needs, needless worry, and ample provision, He defines God’s providence, “Your Heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and He will give you all you need from day to day – if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” Matthew 6:31-33 NLT. When God and His Kingdom become your first priority, you become His primary responsibility.
A life of sufficiency results from a lifestyle of generosity. ”Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously . . 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.” Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 NIV. Let these words dwell in your heart, “In all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound . .” That is the description of providential sufficiency.
A promise is only as good as the intention, character, and resources of the one promising. Paul considered the intention of God as indisputable: “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all – how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32 NIV.
Paul believed the character of God was unchangeable. “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Now glory be to God our Father forever and ever.” Philippians 4:19-20 NLT.
Paul measured the providential resources of God as sufficient. “Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV. Our Father has not only the ability and ample resources to do as He says but also possesses a compelling love to provide for His own.
“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent . . for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:10-11 NKJV. Sufficiency from above is your blessing now and forever.
My prayer for you today is that you trust God for His daily provision, temporal and eternal.