The Purpose of Abundance

The Purpose of Abundance

Dr. Dave MartinBy Dr. Dave Martin4 Minutes

When I hear people talk about financial increase or abundance, I ask them what they think the purpose of abundance is. Put simply, the purpose of abundance is that God blesses you so you can be a blessing (Genesis 12:2).

I had a guy say to me, “Dave, I have enough money for me and my family. We are taken care of, and we don’t really need to prosper beyond that.”

That is one of the most selfish things I have ever heard! How could he think he had enough? Didn’t he know any missionaries in Africa trying to build an orphanage for babies with AIDS? Didn’t any single moms in his church need a vehicle? Wasn’t he aware of media ministries like Inspiration Network International, touching millions of lives in nations where it’s illegal to preach the Gospel by conventional means?

I like what David Cerullo says: “God is looking for people who love to bless others. There’s a big responsibility that comes with the gift of receiving. God doesn’t pour His blessings into our lives so we can become hoarders and heap up more and more treasure for ourselves. He blesses us so we can be a blessing to others. He wants us to be rivers of living water—continually flowing outward—not stagnant ponds.”

You see, God is looking for people who say, “Lord, I want to receive Your abundance so I can bless others and abundantly give back to You.”

Power to Prosper

The Bible says God “gives you power to get wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18). What a great promise! It doesn’t just say He will give us money, as wonderful as that may be. The promise is much greater than that: If we follow His instructions, the Lord will give us the ability to create wealth!

Jesus said He came so His followers may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). In the Amplified translation, He says He wants us to “have and enjoy life.” Jesus didn’t come just so we could make a living—He wants us to experience an abundant life!

Yet perhaps you’re thinking, “Dave, you just don’t understand my situation. I’ve got some serious problems in my health, finances, relationships, and other areas of my life.”

While I know you may be facing difficult circumstances, let me encourage you with an amazing principle that will change your life, as it has changed mine:

The only problem you will ever have is a wisdom problem!

The Bible says when you set your heart to get wisdom as the principal thing, God will promote you and give you His favor (Proverbs 4:7-8). From your finances, to your relationships, to your health, God can change your life in a mere moment through His wisdom and favor.

As a child of God, you should expect His favor, and that favor can cause you to regain in a day what the enemy has stolen from you for years. The rest of your life can be the best of your life!