Abundance, Not Scarcity

Luke 12:13-21; 18:18-24; 15:28-32; 21:1-4 | Caleb Yoder | March 9, 2025

  • Like all our beliefs, the attitudes and dispositions we have toward money are largely shaped by our past – our family of origin, our cultural background, and our church experiences. In Luke’s gospel, we see at least 4 different ways of viewing money. Like the Rich Fool in Luke 12, some of us believe that the good life is found when we hoard the most for ourselves. Others of us live more like the Rich Young Ruler in Luke 18; we falsely assume that God will always bless us financially as a reward for our faithfulness. Or we doubt God’s generosity towards us altogether and live more like the Older Brother in Luke 15. But in Luke 21, we see a picture of someone who really trusts in the God of abundance and not in the uncertainty of wealth. A widow, giving all that she has, is commended by Jesus as a picture of what true generosity looks like. We too can reshape how we view money and the way we give by reorienting our minds around the truths of scripture, reshaping our habits to reflect generosity, and participating in a community of Jesus-followers committed to doing the same.

  • Shifting from Scarcity to Abundance

    • A scarcity mindset fears there isn’t enough and clings tightly to resources.

    • An abundance mindset trusts God’s provision and allows generosity to flow.

    • Jesus challenges us to shift our view of money from fear to faith.

    God is an Abundant Provider

    • The Feeding of the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21) shows that God provides more than enough.

    • When we trust in His provision, we stop seeing generosity as a loss and start seeing it as an investment in His Kingdom.

    Be a Conduit, Not a Container

    • The Sea of Galilee gives and thrives; the Dead Sea only takes and remains lifeless.

    • If we hoard out of fear, we block the blessings meant to flow through us.

    Dependence Transforms Scarcity into Trust

    • Proverbs 30:8-9 warns that wealth can make us forget God, and scarcity can lead to doubt.

    • Trusting God allows us to live generously without fear of lack.

    Faithful Giving Unlocks God’s Provision

    • Luke 6:38—“Give, and it will be given to you… running over.”

    • The Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16) trusted God with her last meal and never lacked again.

    • Generosity isn’t about wealth—it’s about faith and obedience.

    Final Challenge

    • Are you holding onto money out of fear, or trusting God as your provider?

    • How is God calling you to be a conduit of generosity this week?

Group Guide

  1. How did last week’s Greed Inventory practice go?

  2. What did you learn about yourself? Were there any surprising ways you recognized greed influencing your life?

What’s Next: Mediate on Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

This week, we challenge you to set aside 10–20 minutes for reflection.

• Find a quiet space.

• Bring your Bible or a journal if you’d like.

• Ask God to reveal where scarcity might be limiting God’s abundance in your life.

Start with one prayer at a time. Read the question, then pause—give yourself time to sit with it. Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and any resistance that rises up.

1. Where in my life do I tend to see lack instead of God’s abundance?

Pray: Lord, help me to see your abundance instead of my own lack. Open my eyes to your provision and teach me to trust you fully.

2. Am I a conduit of generosity or a container of fear?

Pray: Father, I don’t want to hold onto what you’ve given me out of fear. Help me to be a conduit of blessing, giving freely as you lead.

3. Am I trying to secure my future by holding onto resources, or do I trust God’s provision?

Pray: God, I surrender my worries about money and resources. Remind me that I don’t need to control everything—you are my provider.

4. What step of generosity is God calling me to take in faith?

Pray: Jesus, show me where I can be generous this week. Give me the courage to take a step of faith and trust that you will take care of me.

Share Our Stories

The Generosity Table

March 23

We’re coming together for The Generosity Table, a special gathering where we’ll share a meal, celebrate what God has done, and commit ourselves to living open-handed for His kingdom.

This isn’t a fundraiser or a stewardship banquet—it’s a family moment to reflect on how generosity has shaped our lives and the lives of those around us. One of the most powerful ways we grow in generosity is by sharing our stories—testimonies of how giving, receiving, and trusting God have transformed us.

Do you have a story of generosity? Whether it’s a moment where God provided, a step of faith in giving, or how generosity impacted your life, we’d love for you to share it! Let us know by filling out this form.