“These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.” (Matthew 6:32 NLT)
When you think about “needs,” what comes first to mind? If you’re a Jesus follower, hopefully, you’ll recognize your overarching need of Jesus. But when it comes to practical, everyday needs, what’s first? Food, clothing, shelter, transportation, safety, competent medical care – the list can be very long. But honestly, these are the things that dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, not children of God.
Notice the verse that follows the one above, verse 33 says, and remember these are the words of Jesus: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” Notice He didn’t say “in place of all else.”
It’s not about being religious, serving sacrificially, giving generously, loving everyone well – it’s all and only about seeking Jesus with everything within you. Only then will serving, giving, loving, and all the other facets of our life on earth as a believer begin to make sense, and become, not a burden, but a joy!
Have you ever been white water rafting. I have, and it’s a blast! But it can get scary. I’ve been rafting with both of my sons when they were growing up. You’re all “wired” to get in the raft and get moving, but before they’ll let you begin your exciting journey down the river, you have to gather around and meet a very special person who is going with you on your trip. He or she is your “guide.”
My first trip, there was a part of me that was thinking: “Why do we need a guide? Duh! The rapids only flow one direction. The river will take us where we need to go!” Very dumb! The “guide” is the Pro. They’ve been through what we’re heading into dozens of times. Why is that vital to know? Because your life can literally depend on it.
That’s why it’s so critical to know, trust, and obey Jesus. He’s the One who lives where we want to one day be. He’s the One who can anticipate danger in the next “bend in the river.” He’s the One who can issue commands and directives above the roar of the waters, giving you needed wisdom that can mean the difference between safety and suffering, between life and death.
God has given each of us an assignment. It’s based on our gifts, abilities, frame of mind, disposition, level of maturity – spiritually and otherwise. He’s specifically chosen each of us to carry out the assignment He’s given us because He has designed and created us to carry it out better than anyone else on the planet.
Often, we’re tempted to believe that serving Jesus is just too scary. We’re tempted – yes, tempted by Satan – to believe that someone else, perhaps anyone else, would be a better choice than us. But God knows better than anyone, what needs to be done and who the best choice to do it will be. And because He knows that, He knows exactly how to equip us to fulfill the “mission” on which He’s sending us.
He doesn’t very often fill me in on the assignments of others, but He makes crystal clear what He wants me to do. What’s interesting in this season of my life, I “hear” Him loud and clear, but then I procrastinate. I’m thinking, “Okay, Lord, I’m in…just not right now!” But He lovingly persists, and when I get it done it renders honor and glory to Him and a deep, fulfilling sense of accomplishment and satisfaction to me.
Whatever He’s telling you to do – DO IT! You’re equipped with everything you need to accomplish everything He’s asking you to do. Just DO IT! He is with you and will guide you every step of the way. If the “river” gets rough and you’re tossed out of the proverbial boat, crawl back in the raft and keep on rowing. He’ll guide you safely to your destination.
Jesus gives us everything we need to be everything He’s called us to be. Trust Him! He NEVER fails!
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 