Lack on any level is an enemy.

We were not created by God to struggle with lack throughout our lives. This is seen in the way God placed Adam and Eve in a garden where every need was met. We see it in God’s covenants. The knowledge of those covenants caused David, a former shepherd, to make this bold declaration: “The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.” (Psalm 23:1 AMP).

God’s dream is that His family live without lack. Lack is at the opposite of the abundant life Jesus came to give us. Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 NKJV).

Yes, we do face adversity and struggles. Every trial, tribulation, or trouble has the potential of leading us into unbelief, frustration, or confusion. The way we handle these times of trouble determines our success in coming out of lack and into abundance. James 1:2-4 says,

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
(James 1:2-4 NKJV)

Now that we are in Christ, we are on a God-given course to lacking nothing. But to continue on the road to lacking nothing, we must not be distracted by the trials that arise.

Our part is to walk in Biblical principles that will empower us to attack the lack. The first vital priority toward lacking nothing is to put God and His Word first in our lives—before busyness or business. God must be first before our family, ourselves, our job, or our personal interests. Put Him first in all that we do, and He will direct us. Proverbs 3:6 in The Living Bible says, “In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.”

Jesus settled this issue when He dealt with Mary and Martha. Martha had invited Jesus to her home. When her sister, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet listening to His words it upset Martha. She said to Jesus: “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me” (Luke 10:40 NKJV).

Jesus answered Martha saying, “…Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (v. 41).

Martha wanted to serve the Lord, but she was distracted by many things. Her self-imposed sense of responsibility kept her from the most important thing she could have done—listen to Jesus.

Many times the greatest thing we can do is to sit down and let Jesus teach us in the depths of a quiet heart. Busyness does not mean we are accomplishing what God wants. Jesus did not come to Martha’s house to eat; He came to impart something. Mary was the one who had chosen to receive what He came to give.

Let’s make the decision to put God’s Word first place in our lives and receive what He has come to impart to us. He will not disappoint us!

Dennis Burke Ministries
All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Vikki and Dennis began as youth pastors in 1973 in Southern California where they received tremendous insight into the work of the local church. In 1976, they moved to Ft. Worth, Texas, to work with Kenneth Copeland Ministries. Vikki worked with KCM for three years before entering full-time ministry with her husband. Since that time, their relationship and involvement with Kenneth Copeland Ministries has continued. Vikki and Dennis have had numerous articles published in the Believer's Voice of Victory magazine.

Vikki has spoken in several nations including Australia, Japan, and Canada. She has ministered on television, radio, in women's conferences and marriage seminars. Her desire is to see people raised to a higher level of living through the Word of God. By acting on Gods principles, Vikki has obtained a testimony of victory and imparts encouragement to others.

Throughout the years, Vikki and Dennis have pursued new avenues of reaching people. The Lord has continued to expand their vision. Their dedication has affected thousands as they are impacting God's people with the love of God.

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