Monday, April 2, 2018

Needs Met... Above and Beyond What I've Asked






Philippians 4:19  "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
Matthew 6:7-8  "And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him."
Isaiah 58:11  "The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."
Job 10:12  "You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit."
Romans 15:4  "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope."
1 Corinthians 10:13  "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
1 Timothy 6:17  "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."
1 Peter 4:11  "If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

      When you look at our society, do you see more need or greed?  There is definitely both, but we have a Provider for all of our needs.  We often focus on our material needs more than our spiritual needs, but God knows and does whatever it takes to meet both of those needs.  "Many times, He allows a need to come so that He can teach you to trust Him in a greater way. No problem is too complicated or too difficult for Him to handle." [intouch.org]  Many of our hurts are the designated roads to what we needed to draw us closer in our relationship with Christ.
       Matthew 6:33 tells us "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."  God wants us to trust in Him before all else and obey His commands.  'THEN' is the key word, He is committed to providing for your needs and the desires of your heart, according to His will.  What you may think is a fulfilled desire, my turn into a life lesson with hurt, because you are not following His ways in your life.  "Anytime we “expect” God to move a certain way, we have missed the deeper lesson that He wants us to learn.  We should never obey Him merely to manipulate our situation. God knows our hearts. When we are surrendered to Him, He sees our devotion and goes to work on our behalf."[intouch.org]
      In the verses above, each one shows the many different ways God provides for us.  He knows our needs before we do, He strengthens us physically and spiritually, He gives us hope and encouragement thru The Bible, He gives us an escape from temptation, He gives us pleasures in this world for our enjoyment..according to His will, and He gives us endurance to finish this race of life well to bring glory to His holy name.  What a list of reasons to trust Him completely with your eternal life.
     May you seek first the Kingdom of Heaven in your heart, mind and soul.  Then put your trust completely in God and His will for your life and its desires.  With obedience, He will not fail to guide and provide for all your needs...above and beyond what you've asked for in prayer.