Expansive: A 5-Day Plan to Break Free From Scarcity and Embrace God’s Abundanceਨਮੂਨਾ

A few years ago, we adopted our dog Callie—a border collie mix, whip-smart and full of life. She picks up on patterns quickly, which makes her both highly trainable and hilariously persistent when those patterns break. A few months back, I started giving her a dog chew after dinner. It didn’t take long before she was sitting next to me each evening, eyes fixed, patiently and expectantly waiting for her treat—every single night, without fail. Yesterday, as I pulled out her treat, I was reminded of today’s Scripture—and the good gifts our Father gives us. I felt a surprising joy in giving my dog something simple, and it made me pause. Why is it so easy to believe I enjoy giving good gifts… and yet so hard to trust that God does too?

At some point, scarcity taught us that we have to earn God’s good gifts. If we’re good enough, perfect enough, if we don’t expect too much or ask too often—then maybe He’ll toss us a few scraps just to get by. But the Bible teaches us of an extravagant God, who doesn’t need His arm twisting or His will forced. He delights in giving us not only what we need, but also what will lead to our thriving.

It’s easy to slip into a transactional, performance-based relationship with God. As if doing the right things pulls a lever and out pops something good for our lives. So we pour our energy into trying to find the right formula—striving to be perfect enough to finally convince God of our worthiness, hoping He’ll move on our behalf. But that kind of thinking flows from a scarcity view of God—as if He’s a reluctant giver, waiting to be persuaded into a moment of generosity.

Yet from the very beginning, God has always been generous. Always extravagant. The entire plan to rescue humanity through Jesus is the most lavish and audacious act of abundance. He held nothing back—not even His own Son.

Do we really believe that God, who gave everything to bring us close, has since become stingy or indifferent? Has His character changed? Never. He remains gracious, abundant, and eager to give. Scripture reminds us that even when we were still sinners—still unaware of His presence—God moved first. That’s the kind of Father He is.

You might be frustrated reading this. You may be thinking, “But I’ve asked God. I’ve waited. And nothing has changed.” I’ve certainly been there—and in many ways, I’m still there. I have questions for God about how He is or isn’t showing up in my life. I wonder why prayers seem unanswered, or why He’s not providing in the ways I hoped He would.

Waiting can feel like silence—or worse, like being forgotten.

But here’s what we need to remind ourselves of again and again: God’s timeline is not our timeline. And just because things aren’t unfolding the way we want, or we don’t yet see His provision, doesn’t mean He’s indifferent toward us. Sometimes the greatest gift isn’t what we asked for, but the deeper work God does in us while we wait—the softening, the shaping, the strengthening. His generosity isn’t always instant, but it is always intentional.

What if we lived like God wasn’t reluctant—but eager?

Where have you stopped expecting good from God?

Where are you trying to prove to Him you’re worthy of His attention?

Where has past disappointment shaped your requests?

Sometimes even our prayers are driven by desperation—an attempt to get God to notice us.

But what if you prayed differently?

What if your prayers came from a place of gratitude, expectation, and the deep certainty that God already sees you, already loves you, and is already for you?

The Giver of good gifts is extravagantly generous. Always.

Prayer

God, help me trust you in the waiting. Help me to be confident in your goodness—no matter how long it takes for me to see it or understand it. You are an extravagant giver, and you don’t need persuading. God, increase my faith to believe you for good gifts and pray with the kind of trust of a child.

Amen.