The Heavenly Father is extravagant in blessing and showing favor to his children. The Apostle Paul wrote, “What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God” (Acts 20:24 MSG). God wants you to imagine impossible things and ask him for them. God “is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us” (Ephesians 3:20). In this study, you will discover the true meaning of abundance.

Earthly Abundance versus Heavenly Abundance

Man’s perception of abundance relates to earthly possessions. Man is subject to the natural economy, where wealth rises and falls with the economy. Some people may have an advantage over others in terms of acquiring wealth and other natural possessions. For example, some inherit wealth. God’s abundance is more than earthly possessions.

There are different levels of abundance. God sustained the children of Israel with many miracles in the wilderness for 40 years. As they wandered in the wilderness, their clothes and sandals did not wear out so that they would know the Lord as their God (Deuteronomy 29:4-6). They were cooled by a cloud during the day and warmed by fire during the night. They ate manna from heaven and quail which God provided. Water poured out of rocks in the desert. Even though these were remarkable miracles, they only sustained the people. After Israel possessed the Promise Land, they entered a time of great abundance. It was a land with fertile fields and bountiful harvests. Today, many of God’s people are just getting by, even though God is doing miracles in their lives. However, others who tap into God’s abundance.

To understand the differences between those people who are just barely getting by and those who are walking in God’s abundance, consider the differences in operating in the earthly realm and the heavenly realm. Jesus taught about the nature of God’s kingdom in familiar, earthly ways, such as sowing and reaping, so that it could be understood easily (John 3:12). However, there are aspects of the kingdom that have no earthly counterpart. The carnal mind cannot understand such spiritual aspects of the kingdom that are revealed only by the Spirit. Conventional wisdom about abundance focuses on the earthly realm and emphasizes sowing and reaping and sacrificial giving. Few people are taught how to operate in the heavenly realm and receive the abundance from above. It is possible to prosper in the earthly realm without ever receiving the true riches that come from the heavenly realm. Some people store up wealth and treasure for themselves but are not rich in the things that matter to God (Luke 12:21).

The religious system focuses on natural or earthly things, rather than heavenly things. Thus, sowing and reaping and sacrificial giving are often emphasized to sustain the religious system. This approach relies more on the works of man than the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus taught about a higher realm. He explained that men think it takes four months from planting seed to harvest time, but the harvest is here now (John 4:35).

Jesus made it possible for all believers to live an abundant life. “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). You can live in abundance by operating in God’s kingdom through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). His kingdom is not subject to the natural economy. It is the realm of the supernatural where the impossible becomes normal.

God’s abundance is the grace that comes through Jesus Christ. “You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). His abundance is manifested in the presence of the Holy Spirit, who is known as the spirit of grace. Operating in the kingdom of God through the presence of the Holy Spirit is his abundance. David referred to God’s abundance as, “You will make known to me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; in your right hand there are pleasures forever” (Psalm 16:11).

Abundant Life

The abundant life that Jesus made possible for you fulfills the purpose which you are to accomplish on the earth. God has a purpose for each person and each person can fulfill his/her purpose in Christ. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). No one has an advantage over anyone else in fulfilling God’s purpose. He has a bigger purpose for each person than anyone can fulfill on his/her own. Everyone needs God’s help.

Having the abundant life requires believers to focus on the things that are important to God. He desires compassion, mercy and forgiveness more than sacrifices (Matthew 9:13, 12:7). Justice, mercy, and faithfulness are very important to God. Jesus characterized some people as hypocrites, “For you tithe . . . and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others” (Matthew 23:23).

Build Strong Relationships with the Godhead

Abundance comes through relationships with the Father, his Son, and his Spirit. “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all” (2 Corinthians 13:14). Some people focus on what God said in his word in the past and neglect what he is saying now by his Spirit. Following the Spirit is higher than sacrifice. It is better to listen to the Lord and obey him than to offer him sacrifices (1 Samuel 15:22).

Being obedient is very important in the area of finances, affecting both income and spending. If people give out of obligation to rules or regulations, it will not benefit them like they expect. When they are being led by the Spirit, they are obedient and able to receive God’s abundance. “If you have a willing heart to let me help you, and if you will obey me, you will feast on the blessings of an abundant harvest” (Isaiah 1:19 TPT).

Build Godly Relationships with Other People

God’s love provides the proper motivation for the abundant life. The Father is love, and he pours out his love on believers though his Spirit. The love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:5). Believers increase in love in the presence of the Spirit, but their love is tested and refined in relationships.

Believers are joined together in relationships to contribute their divine gifts and energies to build up one another in love (Ephesians 4:16, Colossians 2:19). Thus, God’s love in you is an expression of your relationships. It is a unique measure of kingdom community. Those believers who operate in meaningful, godly relationships grow in God’s love.

Kingdom finances flow along the lines of relationships. If you give all your goods to feed the poor but your giving is not rooted in the love that is an expression of relationships, it does not amount to anything. “If I give all my possessions to feed the poor . . . but do not have love, it profits me nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:3).

Favor of God

People favor those in whom they delight and with whom they want to connect. Likewise, God shows favor to those in whom he delights. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word (Isaiah 66:2). God’s favor is the power to change things.

The virgin Mary was highly favored with the presence of God. The angel told Mary, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28 NIV). She conceived seed and brought forth the Son of God and called his name Jesus. God wants to bring his word to life for his people. When it becomes alive it moves his people into action. When God shows favor to a person, the Holy Spirit hovers over that person so that he/she conceives the living word.

God shows favor to people because he loves them and wants to draw them into a relationship. He loved Mary and wanted to draw her into a relationship. She became the mother of Jesus, raising him up to become the Savior of the world. What an incredible relationship they formed. At a wedding feast, Mary was able to call on Jesus to perform a miracle even when he had not intended to perform miracles yet (John 2:1-11). She could call for a miracle out of season because God’s favor was upon her. She followed Jesus all the way to his death on the cross. “Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister . . . and Mary Magdalene” (John 19:25). After the resurrection of Jesus, Mary gathered with his disciples in the Upper Room and devoted herself to prayer. “These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers” (Acts 1:14).

God shows favor to a person because he loves the people around him/her and wants them blessed. The Lord made David king of Israel and blessed his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel, whom he loved (2 Samuel 5:12). After David, the Lord made Solomon king of Israel because he loved his people Israel (1 Kings 10:9). God’s favor upon you is to bless the people around you. His favor upon kingdom leaders is to release people into their destiny.

Increasing God’s Favor on Your Finances

Who is the source of your income? Is it you or God? Financial blessings come through God’s grace. “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work” (Romans 11:6). God wants to be involved in your finances and every aspect of your life. If you operate in any area of life without involving God, then you operate without faith and that is sin. Anything that does not come from faith is sin (Romans 14:23).

If you want God’s favor upon your efforts, then acknowledging his role and properly responding to it will benefit your financial situation. Recognize God’s influence on your job, career, and income, and it will change the way you operate. He wants you to increase, and he has given you his Spirit to show you how to increase.

God is working on behalf of everyone who loves him. “In everything, God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28 EXB). God shows his goodness to those who love him and even to sinners so they will turn to him. “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45). He shows his goodness to people so they will turn from their wicked ways and turn to him (Romans 2:4). Many people turn from the way they have been going but do not turn far enough to see God’s kingdom where his abundance is available for all.

Consider finances as God’s favor upon you to do good works to those under your influence. If your finances come through God’s favor upon you, then you are a steward to use the finances in ways which please him. A basic principle of the kingdom is that proper stewardship brings increase. Proper stewardship of God’s favor brings more favor to a person. “Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). As long as a person stays humble and grateful for God’s blessings, he/she will increase in favor. Then he/she can operate out of a position of favor. Giving keeps you from being self-centered and neglecting God’s influence in life.

Personal Story on God’s Favor and Finances

God’s favor brought promotions and increasing salaries to me over a long professional career. I was one of sixteen young assistant professors hired about the same time in one university department, but I was the only one promoted at that university and able to continue a career there. After teaching students and conducting research for many years, the Lord told me that I was going to be the head of that department. I liked what I was doing as a professor with teaching and research responsibilities and never asked to be the department head. Many of the other professors in the department wanted other people to be the department head, but I was the Lord’s choice for the sake of the many students in the department. As the department head, I was able to hire excellent teachers and improve the quality of instruction. Throughout my career in administration, I was aware that God was concerned about the welfare of the students. I benefited from his favor by receiving a higher salary while I was working and eventually by receiving greater retirement benefits.

Conclusions

God’s abundance is more than natural possessions. It touches every aspect of life, including relationships, health, emotional well-being, and finances. Each person can walk in abundant life by fulfilling his/her purpose.

Make room for God in your finances. Stay humble and grateful for what God is doing and expect him to move in your life by showing his favor upon your financial situation. He can do more in your finances than you could ever do alone. Live in partnership with God and follow the guidance of his Spirit.