[07/07/2023 “teEn-MAIL”]
[This focus was originally sent 06/03/1999 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]
I recently read of someone making the statement that the sure way to get people to buy something is to state, “only one per customer.” Sometimes when something is advertised “Supplies Limited”, people will rush to make sure they get in on the available supply or they might figure the supply will be gone by the time they get there and so not even try.
Then there is the frustration I have experienced when going to get an item the very first day of the sale only to be told they were already out. I remember a store where I frequently experienced this a few years ago and I finally quit making the trip. When I looked at the shelves I didn’t even see where they would have displayed the item even if they had stocked it. It appeared the sale item had actually never arrived! That store has since been bought out.
Some people see “Limited Supply” and exclude themselves from the possibility. Some have noted Jesus’ statement regarding the “few” and the “many” in the contrast between the broad and narrow ways (Matthew 7:13-14) and have even said, “Well, that probably means I’m out!”
God wants us to understand He has an adequate supply of His blessings for all who will turn their life to Him! As John 3:16 states: “(16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (ESV) That did not designate a limited number as far as opportunity.
Paul focused on himself as an example of God’s willingness to extend grace and mercy where we read. . .
“(14)and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (15) The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. (16) But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:14-16 ESV)
Though it may be true there are many who will reject God and the blessings He is able and willing to provide (note the rejection mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:19; Hebrews 12:25; 1 Peter 2:4), that does not mean it is the outcome He desires. This is the outcome of a hard heart unreceptive to Him.
Peter made clear God’s desire in writing. . .
“(9) The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (10) But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.” (2 Peter 3:9-10 ESV)
Though God’s mercy, grace, patience, love, etc., may be in abundant supply, we must still guard against waiting too long to accept as there will be a limitation on opportunity as time goes on until the day of judgment! While we have the opportunity, let us remain repentant and submissive to the Will of God to receive the sufficient blessing of His grace and mercy!
Have a great day ENOURAGED BY GOD’S ABUNDANT SUPPLY OF BLESSINGS!
Carl
