By David Stahl
As we step back and look at our “needs” we often go to God and beech Him to meet our needs, but in fact nowhere in the Bibles does God say He will meet our “needs.” Now please do not get me wrong God does care (to a degree, but not as much as we think He does) about our physical concerns, that is because He knows we have greater “needs” in our lives than what to wear, eat, drive, or a place to live. Matthew puts things in proper perspective when he said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) all of “these things” are the things we wear, things to eat, what to drive, and the place to live. I always find it funny when I go to Africa, India, Nepal, etc. and visit the home of Christians from these areas who do not have nice clothes to wear, food to eat, something to drive, or a place to live some would say God has not met their needs. Well, I would beg to differ with them. I would say God has met their needs, but not in the way most Christians today believe or have been taught. I find it strange how some Christians use the Gospel as a crutch to soften the troubles of life while others use the Gospel as a way to survive. Each of us has varying amounts of information about God and many are satisfied to use this information to get what they want from God by manipulating Him while others are content with just being grateful for the things that God gives them. One of the most misquoted Scriptures in the Bible is, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) we like “his riches in glory” part and connect our needs to them, well it does not say “needs” it says “need.” “Needs” are things, “need” is the attitude about caring for things. Another misquoted Scripture is, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) Most Christians say, “casting all your cares,” but it does not say cares, it says care. Cares are things, care is the attitude of caring for things. So we are to cast our attitude for caring about things (what to wear, eat, drive, or a place to live) on the LORD, because “he careth for you.” Our “needs” consume most of our day, but I wonder how this world and our walk with the LORD would look if we spend more of our time concerned about the “needs” of others? Now to be fair there are some Christians who are being stirred to seek a higher level of spirituality in which they experience not only His presence or power, but have an active personal relationship with Him. Now that is a need worth casting our care on. The LORD desires to make Himself personally known to us. It is essential that we respond to this inner stirring of the Spirit especially at this present time as we are approaching the Kingdom Age. I really believe what many Christians call the church age (I do not really know for sure) is winding down and the LORD will (maybe soon) return for those have allowed Him to move them past satisfying their “needs” into a personal relationship with Him. Jesus said that we cannot enter the Kingdom, except we first become as little children. Luke tells us, “Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” (Luke 18:17)Jesus could be talking about the kingdom age I do not know, but probably is talking about what the kingdom of God is, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 14:17) You know little kids do not worry if their parents have paid the electric bill, have food to eat, drive a nice car, oh no all they really worry about is does their parents really love them. Now here is where it gets deep. It is important for us to understand that the LORD may move in ways that differ from our past expectations or experiences. This means that our approach to this present stirring within our spirit must be with a child-like trust and faith. Paul tells us, “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” (1 Corinthians 1:27) And later in 1 Corinthians, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:12) The LORD’s response to our seeking may be in a way that is not familiar to us or that may appear offensive to our intellect. The Children of Israel had this test at Sinai, but failed and only Moses could have communion and receive an impartation from God. The LORD may do this to see if we are really sincere and if we are willing to accept Him on His terms. Herein is the test of our child-like faith and trust, “I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find Me… that I may cause those that love Me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.” (Proverbs 8:17, 21) The LORD will respond to the expression of our heart’s desire to know Him. As we vocally express to Him our love for Him He will become interested the more in us. The LORD is saying that He will respond in a special way to those who seek Him “early” (those that seek Me early shall find Me). This “early” means that we quickly set aside whatever we were doing and respond to His quickening presence in unquestioning, unqualified anticipation of all that will follow, without any attempt on our part to understand why, what or to have our needs satisfied. One of the biggest draw backs in our relationship with the LORD and our brothers and sisters is us putting our selfish needs first in our lives. When we put the LORD first and in all things acknowledge our utter dependence upon Him then He will make Himself known to us, and also, He will work on our behalf. As a result, we will receive spiritual substance which means that our lives will become a witness of His life. This is the testimony of Jesuswhich is the expression of His life flowing out through the expression of our relationship to Him. Our words and deeds reflect our relationship with the LORD. Our primary calling is not to ministry, miracles, the “things” in what the church today prays for, but come to know the LORD and spending quality time in fellowship with Him. As we are faithful in our part He will be faithful in His part. The important thing is that we have spent time with the LORD so we might receive the something that is to be given in the outworking expression to our brothers and sisters. Our time of preparation is very important as we can only give that which we have received. Thus as we spend time in His presence, the LORD will impart into our lives the potential for all that pertains to our calling. It is one thing to be called, but another to be sent. After all many are called, but few are chosen. Those chosen are not chosen because they have been called (many are called) oh no those chosen were chosen because they choose the LORD first. Our correct choices establishes our future especially in God. In Matthew Chapter 13, a sower went forth to sow. Some of this seed fell by the wayside and was eaten by the birds. It is very important that the seed (Word of God not money and things) falls into carefully prepared soil for our being in the center of His will and purpose for us. The distance from the hardened soil of the wayside to this prepared soil is but one step. This step that we take into the place of preparation is very important, but while this inner work of the Holy Spirit is taking place there may be no evidence of a harvest. This should not concern us as during this time of change the important thing is the changes that are taking place within us rather than what we are accomplishing. When I was a young Christian (and maybe even now at times) there have been times when I have struggled to meet the LORD trying all kinds of ways, but getting nowhere. Then I became quiet and found that all the LORD required of us was for us to take one step to the side out of the way. When I did this He was there. He had been there waiting for me to wear myself out, so I would yield and come His way. I was trying to force the LORD to move as I thought He should. All I had to do was yield and come His way, in child-like faith. The demands of our soulish desires are very real and ever present. To seek Him “early” not only as a child, but also requires of us a time of heart preparation. This involves a crucifixion of these self-centered desires with a determination to seek the LORD and spend time alone with Him. As we do this the LORD will draw us to Himself and impart into us an adequate supply of that which we need to meet our “need” (which is more of Him) that He might send us forth to preach the word, heal the sick, and cast out devils. What is our greatest need? To come to the LORD with a child-like faith.
