Is it even worth it?

Looking out of the window she begins to wonder is it even worth it? Sorrowful raindrops leap onto the cold, clear window mirroring her tears falling quickly onto her cold, damp cheek. Too much worry. Too much pain? Is it even worth it?

Many of use find ourselves looking through the window of pain and see hopelessness. Our emotions are providing temporary shelter to whatever it is outside. But what is outside? Well it would probably be better if we could see. But like a thick, dense fog, hopelessness hangs around our shelter. Blurring our vision. Blocking our sight. And all we know...is hopelessness. Is it even worth it?

John 10:10 'the thief comes only to steal and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.' 

Other translations read that Christ has come so that we may have life more abundantly! Not just life, but life in its abundance! What does that even look like?

We know that through Christ we are part of the kingdom of God. No longer part of the kingdom of darkness, but part of the kingdom of light. Romans 14:17 defines the kingdom of God as righteousness peace and joy. Christ came so that we can experience freedom.

Consider some of the things that rob us of life as John 10:10 points out. The thief comes to steal our hope, kill our dreams and destroy our love...to name a few. One of the hugest weapons he uses is fear. I heard someone preach something interesting on 1 Timothy 1:7. If Timothy is told God has not given  him fear, but other things in its place, fear must be the opposite of these things. Fear robs us of love power and a sound mind. I've experienced fear and it definitely does these things. Fear can cause me to be anxious about loving others and even myself. In thd midst of fear, I hand over power to whatever has imprisoned me and my irrational thinking is far from a sound mind! So how do we experience life ... in abudance?!

1 John 4:18 'There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.' I can't help but go back to Paul and Silas and realise that most of the time we're lifeless is because of fear. If we're hopeless we can be fearful that nothing will change and therefore not experience life. But in the midst of fear, a dark and damp place, Paul and Silas began to praise God. They invited in and received His love, casting out fear! Amazing!

An iconic figure passed away this week and this person lived their life to the full. When people live their lives, it makes me wonder 'what do they have?'

Maya Angelou was quoted saying 'Christ came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. I am grateful for the abundance!'

If she's grateful, that means she received it. God wants to increase our abundance of life. He wants to increase our capacity for life.

Live with hope! Christ, the hope of glory in us! That hope does not disappoint! 
Steven Sutton is another example who took the opportunity to live life to the full.
God wants us to enjoy the life He has given us, ALWAYS rejoicing in Him.
**Romans 5:11**