By: Kacie Starr Long
That's it!
I pulled back my covers, jumped out my bed and marched to my office to retrieve my Bible.
I was in a huff. Annoyed and irritated at the devil.
What I thought was going to be a glorious late Friday morning of lounging in the bed, journaling and worshipping God, was instead -- a head splitting, constant attack of anxious thoughts, worries and concerns.
I had enough and decided to reach for my machine gun - a.k.a my Bible!
Have you ever been tormented so much by worries, concerns, and anxious thoughts that you knew you needed to do something differently to fight off the attacks?
The name of the atrocious enemies I was fighting that day were scarcity and lack. You know, the conjoined twin demons that love to snake around your mind and heart and point out the bleak areas in your bank account, dwindling emotional register or physical ability?
Our scripture this week comes from 2 Corinthians 9:8, and it is the text God led me to, to silence the incessant anxious thoughts of not having enough money, and impending doom.
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. NIV
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: KJV
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. NLT
And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity. AMP
I decided to share several translations of 2 Corinthians 9:8, because all of them are good. I invite you to say them aloud and let God's word sink into your heart.
Why This is So Important
In 19 days I depart for a mission trip to Uganda with Camp David International. This will be my third trip to Uganda to serve women, and children impacted by incarceration. (If you missed it, I share how I knew I was called to do mission work in Africa here.)
I know God has called me to Africa, and yet I still have a financial need remaining in order to get to Africa. I trust God's word to be true: He is "able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come in abundance to me, so that I will always have everything I need to do the work He has called me to do.
2 Corinthians 9:8 is my personal reminder, and may it be your reminder too.
Whether you are believing God for:
* funds for a mission trip
* Money to pay bills
* Grace for emotional strength and clarity
* The grace, and diligence to clean your house
* The discipline to eat healthy and exercise
Whatever you need may you resist any feelings of stress, or anxiety; and instead grab your machine gun, (God's Word) and let each scripture serve as a bullet that annihilates every demonic thought, or anxiety soaked worry.
I choose to make 2 Corinthians 9:8 personal:
And God will generously provide all I need. Then I will always have everything I need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Corinthians 9:8
I pray this scripture encourages you as it does me. It doesn't just talk about meeting a need, but exceeding a need....so there will be plenty left over to share with others!
In faith, I ask that you please consider donating toward my mission trip, I have a balance of $1,800 and would love to exceed this need this week to have funds left over to bless others during my time in Africa. You can donate and learn more about my mission trip to Africa by clicking here.
Hi, my name is Kacie Starr Long. I am an author, and speaker and I love to use my voice to point people to Jesus. When I'm not writing, I'm either working out at Orange Theory Fitness or sewing. I'm in recovery from compulsive overeating and I have a sewing ministry, called the Sew Hope Community Sewing Room. I am the proud wife of Alfred T. Long, Sr and together we lead a non-profit that serves prisoners and their families. Connect with me at www.InspiredOverflow.com and via my YouTube page for Christian teachings and encouragement.