God is good, and He does so much for us. Even though we know
that is true, it is our human nature to focus not on the many things He has
done, but on the few things He has not done. Each of us could easily compose a
list of things we really want God to do right now, of prayers we especially
long for Him to answer, of needs we are waiting for Him to meet.
Sometimes that list is comprised of major things. We recognize
and appreciate the wealth of small blessings and daily provisions; we are aware
that God is doing good things for us - all but the biggest need! There is one
pressing need on which so much depends, and for some reason God is delaying
that answer. Maybe you need more support or you will have to leave the field.
You might face major issues with the rebellious choices of one of your children
or obstinate, divisive conflict with a coworker. You could be dealing with a
pressing need for a church building, a seemingly impossible search for a pastor
to take over the work, or a threatening government regulation. There might be a
serious health concern, or you might feel the imminent need for a vacation
before you explode.
Your situation might be quite the opposite; the big picture
is glowingly positive and the ministry is blessed and thriving, but it's the
little things that are missing. The kids need shoes, you can't find a favorite
food, or you're missing communication from loved ones. You don't have time to
add desired ministries, and you need help with small tasks at church. Your prayer
card picture is a photogenic disaster, or a website detail remains an issue.
Whatever the need, it is easy to cry out in frustration and
discouragement, "God, You have done all these other things. Why can't You
meet this need?" We know, of course, that God can meet every need.
A wonderful place to be reminded of that truth is Psalm 23.
"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth
me beside the still waters." God meets our immediate material needs each
day. He provides food and water, rest and safety.
"He restoreth my soul." God meets our deepest internal
needs when we are fragile and overwhelmed.
"He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his
name's sake." God gives guidance and direction, showing us just what steps
to take.
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me." God meets our needs in
the very darkest hours and in the most ominous situations. He does not leave us
then.
"Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." God
ministers to our heart when we are hurting.
"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of
mine enemies." God provides even in the face of danger, when all around
threatens our existence.
"Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."
Far beyond the barest necessities, God gives blessing and abundance and shows
His bountiful care.
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days
of my life." God gives spiritual blessings, which are what we really need,
and He gives them every day - right here in the present - for as long as we
live. These spiritual blessings will never run out.
"And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."
Just when we thought everything was covered, the best is yet to come.
Truly "The LORD is my shepherd." He is the kind
and solicitous one who devotes Himself wholly to us, His needy sheep. "I
shall not want." We will not lack or be in need. He meets all our needs in
every aspect and time of life.
"Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not
one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are
all numbered. Fear not therefore; ye are of more value than many sparrows"
(Luke 12:5-6). There is nothing too small for God to care about, no need so
insignificant that He does not notice.
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up
for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"
(Romans 8:32). God has already met the greatest possible need. There is nothing
so big that He cannot meet it; if He paid such a price for our salvation, He
can easily attend to the other matters of life.
God is able, and He is committed to meeting our needs. He
knows them all, and His love compels Him to provide for us. What needs remain
unmet? "Ask, and ye shall receive." Yes, we know there are other
verses and conditions that apply to prayer, but this is God's basic
instruction.
When the answer doesn't come in our timing or according to
our preference, what then? This is where it is hard - when there is something
that in our minds just has to happen, and we wait and pray, but don't see
results. In these times, we must talk to God about how that affects us. We can
tell Him, "Father, I'm hurting, I'm disappointed, I'm confused, and I'm
discouraged at not seeing this answer." We must accompany those heart
cries with words of trust and submission: "But I choose to trust You
to do what You know is best, to meet what You know are my actual needs, and to
do so in the manner and timing You choose, even if I never see the answers I
want." Such a humble response to God prompts grace from God - grace to
submit, grace to trust, grace to wait, grace to endure.
It isn't always easy, but God is always good, and He will
always act in accordance with His character. May God show Himself special to
you this week by providing something you really need and by giving you the
grace to wait on Him for what He hasn't yet provided.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holtmember at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
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