MOVING FROM SURVIVAL TO ABUNDANCE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 10:10; Deuteronomy 8:7-18
Key Verse: “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.” (John 10:10)*
Supporting Texts: Psalm 23:1-6; Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Malachi 3:10; Proverbs 10:22; Isaiah 48:17; Ephesians 3:20
Description: God desires His children to move beyond merely surviving life's challenges into a life of spiritual, emotional, and material abundance for His glory.
INTRODUCTION
Many people live in survival mode, constantly struggling to meet their daily needs while carrying the burden of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future. Survival is characterised by continual lack, limitation, frustration, and barely having enough to get by. Although life's challenges are real, God's ultimate desire is not for His children to remain permanently in such a condition. Through Christ, He has made provision for a life of abundance that reflects His goodness and faithfulness.
Biblical abundance is far more than possessing material wealth. It includes spiritual vitality, peace of mind, good health, fruitful relationships, divine wisdom, financial sufficiency, purposeful living, and the joy of serving God faithfully. True abundance enables believers not only to meet their own needs but also to become channels of blessing to others and instruments for the advancement of God's Kingdom.
The journey from survival to abundance requires faith, obedience, diligence, wise stewardship, and total dependence upon God. As believers embrace God's principles and remain committed to His purposes, He opens the windows of heaven, blesses the work of their hands, and leads them into a life of fruitfulness and lasting fulfilment.
1. GOD DESIRES HIS CHILDREN TO LIVE IN ABUNDANCE
Abundance is part of God's redemptive plan for His people.
a. Jesus Came to Give Abundant Life (John 10:10)
Christ's mission includes restoring every area of human life.
b. God Leads His People into a Good Land (Deuteronomy 8:7-10)
The Lord delights in bringing His children into seasons of fruitfulness.
c. God Supplies Every Need (Philippians 4:19)
His provision is according to His glorious riches in Christ.
d. God Gives Power to Prosper (Deuteronomy 8:18)
Every lasting blessing originates from the Lord.
Biblical Example: Isaac trusted God during a time of famine, obeyed His instructions, and reaped a hundredfold harvest in the same year because the Lord blessed him (Genesis 26:12-14).
2. MOVE FROM A MINDSET OF LACK TO A MINDSET OF FAITH
Transformation begins with renewed thinking.
a. Trust God's Promises (Romans 10:17)
Faith grows through hearing and believing God's Word.
b. Reject Fear and Anxiety (Matthew 6:31-33)
God faithfully cares for those who seek His Kingdom first.
c. Renew Your Mind (Romans 12:2)
God transforms lives through renewed thinking.
d. Speak Words of Faith (Proverbs 18:21)
Our words should agree with God's promises.
Biblical Example: Caleb maintained a mindset of faith despite overwhelming opposition and eventually possessed his inheritance (Joshua 14:10-14).
3. WALK IN THE PRINCIPLES OF DIVINE ABUNDANCE
God's blessings are sustained through obedience to His principles.
a. Honour God with Your Substance (Proverbs 3:9-10)
Giving to God demonstrates trust in His provision.
b. Practise Diligence (Proverbs 22:29)
Excellence and hard work create opportunities for advancement.
c. Be Faithful in Little Things (Luke 16:10)
Faithfulness qualifies believers for greater responsibilities.
d. Live Generously (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
Generosity opens the door to greater blessings.
Biblical Example: The widow of Zarephath obeyed God's instruction through Elijah and experienced supernatural provision throughout the famine (1 Kings 17:8-16).
4. REMOVE EVERY BARRIER TO ABUNDANCE
Believers must deal with attitudes and behaviours that hinder God's blessings.
a. Avoid Laziness (Proverbs 6:6-11)
Diligence is essential for progress.
b. Reject Unbelief (Hebrews 3:19)
Unbelief limits the experience of God's promises.
c. Walk in Obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)
Obedience positions believers for covenant blessings.
d. Resist the Spirit of Fear (2 Timothy 1:7)
Fear prevents many from embracing God's opportunities.
Biblical Example: The Israelites delayed entering the Promised Land because of unbelief, despite God's promise of abundance (Numbers 13:31-33; 14:1-4).
5. LIVE AS A CHANNEL OF GOD'S BLESSINGS
God blesses His people so they can bless others.
a. Bless Others Generously (Acts 20:35)
There is greater joy in giving than in receiving.
b. Advance God's Kingdom (Matthew 6:33)
Kingdom priorities attract divine provision.
c. Share Your Testimony (Psalm 107:2)
Your testimony strengthens the faith of others.
d. Continue Trusting God (Ephesians 3:20)
God is able to do exceedingly above all we ask or imagine.
Biblical Example: The early Church shared their resources generously, and God ensured that none among them lacked anything (Acts 4:32-35).
CONCLUSION
God has not called you merely to survive but to flourish in every area of life according to His divine purpose. His abundance encompasses spiritual growth, peace, wisdom, health, fruitful relationships, and sufficient provision to fulfil His calling upon your life. As you trust Him, obey His Word, and remain faithful, He will continually lead you into greater levels of fruitfulness.
Therefore, refuse to settle for a mentality of limitation or defeat. Embrace God's promises with confidence, practise diligent stewardship, honour Him with your life and resources, and become a blessing to others. The Lord shall move you from survival to abundance, from scarcity to sufficiency, and from merely existing to living a life that glorifies His holy name.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, move me from survival to abundance according to Your perfect will, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, break every yoke of lack, insufficiency, and limitation over my life, in Jesus name.
3. Father, bless the work of my hands and establish me in lasting prosperity, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, grant me wisdom to manage every blessing You entrust to me, in Jesus name.
5. Father, remove every spirit of fear and anxiety concerning my future, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, help me to walk faithfully in every principle of Your Kingdom, in Jesus name.
7. Father, open new doors of opportunity and divine favour before me, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, make me a channel of blessing to my family, my community, and Your Kingdom, in Jesus name.
9. Father, let every area of my life reflect Your abundant goodness and faithfulness, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let my life continually bring glory to You through abundant fruitfulness and lasting testimonies, in Jesus name.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You shall move from survival into God's season of abundance and fruitfulness.
2. Every yoke of lack and limitation over your life shall be broken by the power of God.
3. The Lord shall bless the work of your hands and establish you in lasting increase.
4. You shall never lack any good thing that God has ordained for your life.
5. Divine wisdom shall guide every decision you make, leading you into greater prosperity and peace.
6. The favour of God shall open doors of opportunity that no one can shut.
7. You shall become a blessing to many and a faithful steward of God's abundant provision.
8. Every seed you sow in obedience to God shall produce a plentiful harvest.
9. Your life shall overflow with spiritual vitality, joy, peace, and every good gift from the Lord.
10. From this day forward, you shall experience God's abundant life in every area of your life, and you shall continually testify of His goodness, faithfulness, and unfailing provision, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
