Living in the Overflow

Have you ever heard the term “living in the Overflow”? One of my pastors often referred to it. He said it was possible to live in a "realm" where you not only had enough for yourself, but had a lot to spare (not to hoard). Just think about it: what does the word “overflow” mean? Encarta says it means: “flow or pour over: to pour out over the limits or edge of a container because the container is filled beyond its capacity”*

To me, it simply means to be full and spill over…to others. No one ever wants  to be near a river that overflows its banks – it spreads water everywhere it goes whether or not that person or area wants/needs water. The water overflows and impacts everyone and/or thing it comes in contact with or that's in its way.

That’s God’s desire for us. He wants us to positively impact everyone and/or thing (e.g project) that we come in contact with. He said to Abraham “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing [dispensing good to others].”**(Gen12:2) All God required of Abraham for this promise to be fulfilled was that Abraham will obey God and go to the land He will show him.

In effect, there is only ONE prerequisite for living in the overflow:

Honour & Obey the Lord yourself (HoLy).

God says this again and again in so many different ways - let's look at 3 verses (emphasis mine):

Deuteronomy 28:2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you heed the voice of the Lord your God. **

Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the Lord with your capital and sufficiency [from righteous labors] and with the firstfruits of all your income; So shall your storage places be filled with plenty, and your vats shall be overflowing with new wine.**

Isaiah 48:18 Oh, that you had hearkened to My commandments! Then your peace and prosperity would have been like a flowing river, and your righteousness [the holiness and purity of the nation] like the [abundant] waves of the sea.**

Jesus came for one reason: “I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).** (John 10:10b)

God wants us to live in the Overflow – He sent His only Son to grant us access to that life in the overflow but it’s all up to us. Like Dr Myles Munroe said, God cannot obey himself for you. Our destinies are established but not guaranteed*** It’s up to us to decide and do what we need to in order to live in the overflow. As we celebrate Easter, remember that Jesus came, lived and died that we may live in the Overflow****. God bless you.

References:
*http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/DictionaryResults.aspx?lextype=3&search=overflow
**Amplified Bible
***The Principles and Benefits of change by Dr Myles Munroe, p. 162-163
****2 Corinthians 8:9 For you are becoming progressively acquainted with and recognizing more strongly and clearly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (His kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favor and spiritual blessing), [in] that though He was [so very] rich, yet for your sakes He became [so very] poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied).*