Life in All its Fullness
One of my favorite bible verses is John 10:10. “My purpose is to give you life it all its fullness.” Years ago as a new follower of Jesus I thought this meant I could look forward to a life of love and laughter now that I’d found my Lord.
But over the years since I’ve come to realize that ‘life in all its fullness’ really means a life filled with all manner of things: sadness, joy, sorrow and pain, laughter and tears, blessing and loss, life lessons and so much more. Sure enough that has been true. But I wouldn’t change any of it even if I could. It has been a journey of discovery and learning and sharing and I’m grateful for every new moment.
A friend knew this verse was my favorite so he printed it in a beautiful font and then framed it and gave it to me as a gift. I have it on my desk and read it daily. It’s a powerful reminder to never take my life for granted, but to be willing to receive whatever comes, knowing it’s all part of the fullness of God’s purpose for me.
What is your favorite verse and how has it impacted you? I’d love to hear about it.
“You pray in your distress and in your need; would that you might also pray in the fullness of your joy and in your days of abundance.”
~ Kahlil Gibran
I find it easier to pray in my abundance than in my need. I’m working on this.
I imagine we’re all with you, Barb, working on our prayer life too.
My favourite verse is Romans 8:28:” And we know that in all things God works for the good of all who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” It’s hard to go through pain, loss and suffering while being mindful that God is good- always. This verse reminds me that God will use all of my life experiences, for good is I continue to trust Him and follow in obedience. It usually takes a long time to see the good rising up from a painful situation but I have seen it. I also remind myself of Hebrews 5:8 “:Even though Jesus was God’s Son, He learned obedience from the things he suffered.” NLT It’s not easy, and I am like Barb Gordon- I find it easier to pray in my abundance than in my need- but I’m working on it too! Your photo of the roses is beautiful! Enjoyed your blog.
Thank you, Angela. I love the verses you included. They spoke to me. I received an answer to prayer this week after 40 years. God does work all things together for good in his time.
I’ve never understood how people can pick one verse as a favorite. I have half a dozen different ones posted around my house.
I guess I was thinking we’d only have space here for one each. But I agree one is never enough!!
Karen, I have a lot of “favorites” but if I had to select one it would have to be the one that gave me comfort when my 35 year old son was killed in an auto accident. I really don’t know why nor how this verse came to me-I guess it was one of God’s mysterious ways’ There is no way to describe the shock that I felt when I received that phone call. We started making arrangements to go to W.V. for the funeral when this verse came to my mind: Isaiah 26:3 (KJV) Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee”. All the way to W.V. I fellt this peace that we cannot understand! It did not take away the tears, nor the grief but it gave me a peace that on one can give but God, but I have to trust HIM to let Him help me. Of couse this reminds me of another verse that says (paraphrase)Trust in the Lord always and lean not on thy own understanding. I still miss my son and do shed a few tears occasionally but I always feel at peace with his death.
Thanks for another good verse! Love to you. margaret
Thanks, Margaret, for this touching story about your son’s death. It has inspired me to keep trusting in and leaning on God’s wisdom and grace in all things.
I agree there are many but these are some of my favorites.
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Thank you, Etta Mae. Each of the verses you shared has a place in my heart too. Wonderful reminders.
What a beautiful reminder that God’s purpose is not just our happiness but our wholeness. Joy, sorrow, love, loss are all part of his work in us. I love Jeremiah 29:11, “for I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you hope and a future.”
Love this verse, Carol. It came true in my life this week in many ways.
Romans 8:28 is my peace in time of uncertainty, Karen.
Thank you, Mary.
Hi Karen, Many years ago while growing up with my siblings, our mother had a specific Bible verse for each one of us. Mine was Proverbs 3:5, 6, which says, “Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and He will direct your paths.” That’s from memory so exact words may not be right. Anyway, it has served me well. As long as I trust in, and love the Lord with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength, I can’t go too wrong. (Obviously, I do fail but only when I don follow, love, or trust in Him.) I DO love the Lord with all of my heart and it saddens me when I disobey Him or sin. I praise the Lord for His grace and forgiveness. God bless you Karen and thanks for the reminder of a fave verse.
Thanks, Jim. This verse is among my top ten. Always good to hear your thoughts.