As Christians, whenever we find ourselves in financial lack, we must consider that there may be a deeper issue on the line. Lack of any kind is simply an outward manifestation of something we are dealing with on the inside. Usually, that something is a God-sized void produced by disobedience. In other words, poverty can be a reflection of an internal spiritual condition.

Disobedience causes separation from God. When we no longer have a relationship with God, we become internally poor. As a result, disobedience causes lack of every kind, and it has since the very beginning of time. For instance, before Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, they enjoyed abundance. They flourished because God had blessed them (Genesis 1:27-28; Genesis 2:8-25). However, when they sinned against (or disobeyed) God, they began to experience failure and lack (Genesis 3:1-24). Adam and Eve’s disobedience caused them to be poor on the inside first, then on the outside. Likewise, when we disobey God, we turn away from His abundant provision to poverty.

If you are experiencing lack in any area, I challenge you to evaluate your life. Ask God to show you where you have been missing the mark.  Once you discover areas where you have been disobedient, quickly repent. Repenting doesn’t mean asking God for forgiveness only. It also means to change your thinking and direction. We must make a 180 degree turn away from disobedience in order for true repentance to take place.

In order to move from poverty to abundance, we must change our thinking by studying the Word of God and allowing it to change our minds. Often, people deceive themselves by believing they are in agreement with God’s Word, when they are not. Additionally, many people find it challenging to be honest with themselves concerning their disobedience. However, Isaiah 1:19 says, “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.”

After you have dealt with the disobedience in your life, begin to settle in your heart that God does not want you to be poor. Establish His Word in your heart by speaking faith-filled words over yourself just as God spoke blessings over Adam and Eve. Begin to declare that you are blessed; this is how you begin to turn things around.  I know it may sound too simplistic to be true, but I have lived this. I know that as we begin to speak the Word, we begin to change ourselves on the inside.

Begin your journey to restoration today! Determine in your heart to transition from living a life of lack to living a life of abundance. You can live the abundant life God intended for you to live!
First published in the October/November 2011 issue of Change Magazine
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