Wrestling With Abundance

I Am The "Rich Man"

Most days, I start my workday with the Lord’s Prayer. As I go through each part, I use it as a guide for my own life, applying its message to whatever I’m facing. It’s a simple practice that helps bring focus and peace before the day gets busy. Yet, when I reach the line, "Give us this day our daily bread," I find myself hesitating, grappling with its significance in the context of my life. It's not that I don't understand the essence of the prayer; rather, it's the realization of the abundance that surrounds me.

As I sit in my car before my work day starts, finishing up my morning smoothie, the words seem to catch in my throat. How can I earnestly ask for my daily bread when my pantry is stocked, my fridge full, and my bank account secure with a cushion for any unforeseen financial storms? The struggle lies not in the act of prayer itself, but in the recognition of my own abundance.

In these moments of reflection, I've come to understand that "daily bread" encompasses more than just physical sustenance. It symbolizes God's provision, His unfailing grace that sustains us through each day. The manna in the desert serves as a testament to His faithfulness, providing for His people even in the most desolate of places.

Even with this deeper understanding of God's daily grace, I find myself still grappling with this portion of the prayer.

The words of Jesus in Mark 10:25 echo in my mind:

"it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a

rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven."

These words make me pause and reflect on my own life. They force me to confront the privilege and excess I often take for granted. It’s an uncomfortable realization, but the truth is—I am the rich man. And if we’re honest, odds are you are too.

Sure, I may not drive a fancy car, live in the biggest house, or boast a high net worth in the traditional sense of luxury and extravagance. But when I take a moment to consider the blessings that surround me each day, I realize just how wealthy I truly am in God's eyes.

I live in a country where basic necessities like food, shelter, and clean water are readily available. I have a job that provides for my needs and more. Entertainment and leisure activities abound, and the ability to travel, even by plane for vacation, is within reach. Before this realization, I never thought of myself as rich. I didn't have millions of dollars or a private jet. But the truth is, I am the rich man.

It's a humbling realization, one that challenges me to reconsider my perspective on wealth and abundance. In the eyes of society, my definition of wealth may have been skewed, but in God's economy, I am rich beyond measure. And with this realization comes a newfound responsibility—to steward the blessings I've been given wisely, to use them to bless others, and to live with gratitude and humility each day.

What's truly incredible about this revelation is how it has transformed my perspective on that portion of the prayer. Instead of stumbling over it, it's become a moment of praise—a time to thank God for the abundance in my life and to earnestly pray for those who lack the blessings I often take for granted. I find myself asking God for a heart that desires to steward these blessings well, to use them to help those who need it most.

I don’t say this for my own praise, but for the praise of God, because this is 100% His doing, not mine. But you know what's even more remarkable? The opportunities that have arisen to put this newfound perspective into action. God has truly changed my heart, enabling me to respond with compassion and generosity when I encounter someone in need. It's a stark contrast to how I used to react—I'd maybe feel a twinge of guilt, toss them some loose change, and move on with my day. But now, it's different.

Now, I'm compelled to stop and truly engage with those who are hurting and marginalized. Whether it's providing a meal for someone who's hungry, offering a listening ear to someone who's lonely, or simply showing kindness to a stranger, I've found myself stepping out in faith. These encounters have given me opportunities to pray with them and share the good news of Jesus. I trust that God will use even the smallest acts of love to make a difference in someone's life.

It's been an incredible journey—one marked by God's grace and the transformation of my heart. And as I continue to walk this path of compassion and generosity, I'm reminded daily of the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God to equip and empower us to be agents of His love in a broken world.

In realizing that I am the rich man in Mark 10:25, I've come to see that through God's grace, I have more to give. My daily bread is not just sustenance for myself but an opportunity to be a blessing to others. As I embrace this responsibility, I am reminded that true wealth lies in sharing God's abundance with those in need, and I am grateful for the privilege to do so.

For anyone reading this, I encourage you to join me in becoming good stewards of our abundance. Let's commit to truly giving to others, not for our own praise, but because of the daily bread that God graciously provides in our own lives. Whether it's through acts of kindness, generosity, or simply being present for someone in need, let's allow God's blessings to flow through us as channels of His love and grace to a world in need.

Let us not strive to be rich in the world's eyes, but instead, let us be rich in giving and praise to the One who created us. For it is through our acts of generosity and our heartfelt gratitude that we truly reflect the abundant love of our Creator.