If I Only Had...

What do you need for life or to be able to serve God? A new car... a bigger house.... more money... a child - or another child.... a different job - or just a job... more friends... a new mate... more time... better friends... better relationships... Have I hit your need yet? If not, just fill in the blank. I need _________ for life or to be able to serve God. We all tend to go there at times. If I only had x I would be set for life. If I only had y, then I would be able to (better) serve God. Sound familiar?

The truth is you already have everything you need. God has already provided it for you. Don't believe me?

"Jesus has the power of God, by which he has given us everything we need to live and to serve God. We have these things because we know him. Jesus called us by his glory and goodness." 2 Peter 1:3 NCV

Kind of hard to take isn't it? But that is what Peter (Remember him? The one who walked on earth with Christ and denied him three times.) tells us. Peter, who had very little, yet recognized he had all that he needed.

I've found it helpful to turn the scripture around, by saying, if I don't have it then I don't need it to live and to serve God.

- I don't need more money to live and to serve God. But, perhaps I need to make better choices and be a better steward with the money I do have.

- I don't need a bigger house. A bigger house may actually take away from what I do have. It would mean more time to clean it and tend the yard; more money for utilities, insurance, and so on.

- I don't need a different job. If I do, God will provide it. Meanwhile, I need to find joy in the job God has provided for me. Perhaps I should look around and see whom I can serve right here where I am.

- I don't need a(nother) child. I need to spend time enjoying and encouranging the family I have.

- I don't need more time. I need to make better use of, and appreciate the time I have.

Peter is right. I do have everything I need to live and to serve God. Well, perhaps there is still one thing that I need - to change my heart and quit focusing on the earthly things that I don't have and give thanks to God for the eternal gifts he has provided.

My Prayer:

God thank you for providing me everything I need for life and to serve you. Help me to be a better steward of your gifts and to use them for your honor and glory. Amen