Lord, grant us what we need during these trying times!

 

Ministry is challenged by much more than only the secular culture as in previous years. We are confronted by political forces wanting to change not only the political order in many parts of the globe, but also by “new answers” within the Christian faith that try to defy the way we conduct Biblical faith, church membership, worship and koinonia. Many are losing jobs and livelihoods. Many even loose loved ones and life-dreams.

 

So how should we think about a new year, while so many things are changing around us?

 

Let’s agree that we should still dream at the beginning of a new year - not only about our own needs and opportunities, but more importantly also about what God wants to do and can do through our lives and faith communities. 

Firstly, it is important to take note that what we want, and what we need, is often not the same thing at all.

 

In faith I know that God determines what is best for me. It is not always easy to accept that the Lord thinks that I need other things than what I want, and that in his love, he knows what is best for me - and not to have many of the things, changes and opportunities I desire and even pray for.

 

In his letter James writes in 1:16 - 18: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the Word of truth that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.

 

What God gives is his holy Word of truth. What God gives is good and wise insight into what we need to enjoy satisfied lives. What God gives is what we need to make a difference in his work and his Kingdom.

To dream how to accomplish God’s vision for me and for his people could be the biggest vision I may ever have.

 

Yet, it never excludes my personal needs. (Matt. 7: 1 – 11)

Jesus said: “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

 

We need what will be good for us and when God grants them, they will be more than good – they will be perfect for us in all circumstances! But do we understand the difference between what we need and what we want, and that the Lord firmly promised to give us what we need?

 

Trusting God to decide what would be good and perfect gifts for us will bring us peace of mind when considering the times ahead of us. Beyond our desires and frustrations, our challenges, fears and anger, the truth remains that God does not give snakes and stones when we need fish and bread.

 

May we, during most uncertain times, pray that the Lord who knows what is best for our lives will, as in the past, rather grant us and the works of his Kingdom what we truly need and not what we desire.

Pray that he will grant us to be at peace with his will!

And that our LORD’s provision and plan will surpass our best dreams and desires during uncertain times.

And once we know our Lord always does what is best for us, for his glory, for his church and for his Kingdom, may we resolve to only do our best for God’s work and for his people, every day of every year!

Let’s comfort the world with the love, grace, wisdom and kindness of God in Christ Jesus, in all we do and what we pray for.