By Pastor Naomi Mitchell
For Carter County Times
A professor gave a balloon to every student with instructions to write their name on it and throw it in the hallway. The students were given five minutes to find their own balloon. No one found their balloon. The professor told the students to take the first balloon they found and to hand it to the person whose name was written on it. Within five minutes, everyone had their own balloon. The professor said to the students, “These balloons are like happiness. We will never find it if everyone is looking for their own. But if we care about other people’s happiness, we will find ours, too.”
Isaiah 41:6 says, “They helped everyone his neighbor: and everyone said to his brother, ‘Be of good courage.’” We can be encouraged through others that will bring us happiness. Many things can steal our happiness, our joy, our strength, our hopes, and dreams. It is good to have family and friends to encourage you along the way and to tell you to be of good courage. But just know that God had the real answer of peace, hope, and joy.
In John 10:10 Jesus said, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Unlike a thief, the Lord Jesus does not come for selfish reasons. He came to give, not to get. He comes that people may have life in Him that is meaningful, purposeful, joyful, and eternal. We receive this abundant life the moment we accept Him as our Savior.
This word “abundant” in the Greek is perisson, meaning “exceedingly, very highly, beyond measure, more, superfluous, a quantity so abundant as to be considerably more than what one would expect or anticipate.” In short, Jesus promises us a life far better than we could ever imagine, a concept reminiscent of 1 Corinthians 2:9 that says, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
As you expect great things from God (this abundant life that He has promised), always remember, “Father knows best.” Whether God gives you the desires of your heart or not, keep a grateful heart. If there’s a delay, see it as an opportunity to grow in patience. If you can’t understand things, don’t lose hope. God has a plan.
There are many reasons why you should trust God. He knows you by name (Isaiah 43:1). He will fight for you (Exodus 14:14). He thinks about you (Psalms 139:17). He has plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11). He is your refuge (Psalm 62:6-8). He is always with you (Matthew 28:20).
Stop surviving and begin thriving, and step into this abundant life. Jesus so willingly gave up His life for you and I. Begin to search the scriptures to find out what is yours.
Amen! So be it!
JOYFUL House of Prayer, 2519 Quicksand Road, (P.O. Box 856), Jackson, Kentucky 41339. Send Comments/Prayer Requests: Pastornaomi4god@gmail.com. FB: JoyfulHoprayer. Services: 10am Sunday and Joyful Kids Class at 10:30am, 6:30pm Thursdays. Radio Broadcast: WJSN 97.3 FM & WEKG 81.0 AM Sundays 1-2pm.
