ALL

This little three letter word. Webster’s 1828 dictionary lists the words “wholly”, “completely” and “entirely” in the definition. Even though the word “all” is used frequently in everyday conversations, do we really think about what it really means? Since it is a commonly used word, I didn’t pay much attention to it until I was reading the following verse one day.

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in ALL things, at ALL times, having ALL that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Coring 9:8 NIV (emphasis mine).

How many of us forget about the ALL and become content with some or most? When you slow down and read the verse it is evident God does not want us to settle for some or most. All things-not just the ones that are the most pressing or the big things, but even the little things that go unnoticed each day: getting out of bed; having a place to live, driving to the grocery store and back without incident. There is no detail or situation left to chance. All times-at work, with family, with friends, in happy times, in stressful situations. God is there in each one. All that you need. This one is a little more tricky. Need is an interesting word that often times we confuse with want. I believe this goes beyond just a basic need and into the things that we also think we need. Most likely because the next sentence in the verse says we will abound in good works. Each person has a different view of what it means to abound. We see what others have and sometimes want that because we think if they have it, so can we. However, God’s view of abounding is different than ours. Yes, He wants us to be blessed and enjoy life. To abound in every good work indicates that we are to be successful in the things we do for Him. It goes beyond things and into a completeness on the inside. The ALL then becomes not what we can see or touch but what we can feel in our spirit. We will survive looking for the “all” that satisfies on the outside. We will thrive when we seek the “all” that completes us on the inside.