Miraculous Abundance

In our Disciple II Bible study, we are studying the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. There is so much power and miraculous abundance displayed in both of these books. They describe many miracles which were performed by Jesus and then by his disciples, under the power of the Holy Spirit. It's easy to see that raising the dead and giving sight to the blind are miracles. But why do people think miracles like this no longer happen in our world?

I believe that many miracles go unnoticed every day. I also believe that many more miracles are possible. Aside from the word "miracles," what other word is repeated in the previous two sentences? "Believe." That one word can unlock more power than any other.

The sad thing is that the world is so full of doubt and fear that people refuse to believe even simple things are possible. How much less will they believe that seemingly impossible things are possible. I fully believe that nothing is impossible. To state that in a more positive way, anything is possible.

If it was once possible, it is always possible. Many things previously thought impossible are now commonplace. These include flight, deep sea diving, and nuclear energy. I pray I never give up on any dream I have for a better way of life for anyone. Everyday I expect a miracle of some sort.

After all, everything in creation is a miracle. Whether organic or inorganic, it all began with a thought, a belief, and a word. Shame on any of us for living small when we could be God's faithful instruments to bring hope, courage, and plenty to this world of doubt, fear, and lack. Our challenge is to be so plugged into the power of creation that we expect and allow that very power to bring miraculous abundance into our midst on a regular basis. Just believe.

To your abundance,
Sandra Hayes
Prosperity, South Carolina

Abundance - Do You Really Want It?

Man, I was totally blown away this past week in a Disciple IV Bible study I facilitate. We are studying the gospel of John and this particular passage comes from John 5:1-8. In these verses, we find Jesus in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate. Near this gate is a pool which people believe has healing properties so many infirm people lie near it awaiting a chance to be helped into the pool for healing. The question is, do they really want the abundance of healing they seem to be waiting for?

Jesus meets a man there who has been an invalid for 38 years. Jesus asks the man if he wants to get well. At first this question seems like a no-brainer until we examine the man's response. He starts making excuses for why he has not been able to get into the pool and be healed all these years. He never did answer the question Jesus asked but instead made excuses. Jesus didn't ask the question again nor did he comment on the man's excuses. Jesus simply told the man to pick up his mat and walk, which he did.

You may be wondering why this impressed me so much. Well, for starters, even though I am quite able-bodied and thankful for this fact, I saw myself as the invalid. I have prayed for change in the form of increased abundanced but was I really prepared for the changes that would bring? In being healed, the invalid's life was totally changed. He could no longer cling to the same excuses that had kept him from moving ahead for 38 years. It's no wonder he didn't immediately say "Yes" when Jesus asked if he wanted to be healed.

I started thinking about this in relation to abundance. What if we've been praying for a better job or more money and suddenly an opportunity presents itself for this to happen? Do we immediately jump at the opportunity or do we look for excuses? Are we afraid the opportunity isn't real, or are we afraid it is real? If it's real and we accept it, then we will have to change, won't we? We know what our current situation is like, regardless of how uncomfortable it is. Allowing ourselves to be changed (healed of the discomfort) holds a huge element of uncertainty.

Thankfully, I accepted the opportunity for healing and abundance in my life. This healing has brought time and financial freedom like I never dreamed possible. Was it scary to let go of the old, familiar life? Of course. Was the healing and subsequent abundance worth it? Absolutely. I invite you to examine your life. Have you been asking for "healing' but afraid that it might happen? Do you really want to stay stuck by the pool or would you rather pick up your mat and walk? The abundant life is one of not only walking but running.

What if this blog holds the answer to the abundance you say you've been waiting to receive. Do you really want it? For a relaxed conversation to help you decide, fill out the form on this page and I'll call you. Or you can call me. I believe that healing and abundance are readily available for all of us.

To Your Abundance,
Sandra Hayes
803-364-3918
prosperitytoday@bellsouth.net