Many write about “abundance” these days, but abundant living doesn’t mean we won’t experience struggles, as Yvonne Ortega explains in this Spiritual Life UPGRADE.
“I went through aggressive chemotherapy and thirty-three rounds of radiation seventeen years ago this month,” Yvonne says.
“That experience and the loss of my only child in 2009 convinced me that I want more out of life than a mere existence of going through the motions day after day.
When I (Dawn) think about “going through the motions,” I picture monotony and boredom. Though we may face tough “wilderness” experiences, monotony and boredom are not what the Lord has in store for His children in our times of difficulty.
Yvonne Ortega continues . . .
I celebrate the gift of life not only on my yearly anniversary of being cancer-free but every day.
Jesus said,
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly" (John 10:10, NASB).
I want to live the abundant life Jesus came to give us.
My life changed in my journey to live the abundant life. I questioned every area of my life and searched the Bible for answers.
I came up with FOUR AREAS that required change.
First, I had to make FOOD CHOICES to live the abundant life.
For the most part, I look at food from the perspective of 1 Corinthians 6:19–20:
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
The Holy Spirit convicted me that I couldn’t eat junk food and take care of my body, His temple.
Second, I had to get SUFFICIENT SLEEP each night to live the abundant life.
For me that means eight hours of sleep each night.
Jesus saw the need for rest in Mark 6:31–32:
“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them (the apostles), ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.”
Third, I had to EXERCISE MORE than my fingers at the computer to live the abundant life.
I tried various types of exercise before I settled on the ones that work for me. I enjoy walking outside. As I walk, I review Bible verses and pray for the needs of my neighbors.
Since I live close to the beach, a walk at the beach delights me. The sound of the waves and the feel of the sand between my toes revive me. As I look around at the beach, I thank God for the beautiful world He created.
I also enjoy swimming laps and aqua classes. Through my time at the pool, I’ve met many wonderful people.
Fourth, I needed to DEEPEN MY RELATIONSHIP with the Lord to live the abundant life.
I committed to reading the Bible from Genesis through Revelation each year.
One year, I read the Bible in 90 Days in addition to reading the Bible in a year.
I also chose to listen to praise and worship music daily. When I listen to praise and worship music, I am transported into the very presence of God. He speaks to me, and I listen.
What will you do this year to live the abundant life Jesus came to give you?
Yvonne Ortega is a licensed professional counselor, a bilingual professional speaker, and the author of Moving from Broken to Beautiful: 9
Life Lessons to Help You Move Forward (paperback, Kindle) and Finding Hope for Your Journey through Breast Cancer (Kindle), both available at amazon.com/books. She not only survived but thrived after a domestic violence marriage, breast cancer and the loss of her only child. With honesty and humor, Yvonne uses personal examples and truths of the Bible to help women move from broken to beautiful. Find out more about Yvonne at her website.
Graphic adapted, courtesy of Pexel at Pixabay.