Do You Need Something From God?

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

When I was a boy, I thought my parents must be poor because there were ten children in our family. Consequently, I never asked mom or dad for anything because I didn’t want the family deprived. My next younger brother was not like me. He asked for everything; and you know what? It seemed like he got everything he asked (or begged) for from my dad. My sister closest in age to me was like me in that she didn’t want to ask for things. She also didn’t think dad and mom could afford it. We were a little jealous because we saw dad give our “asking brother” most of what he wanted.

As a Christian learning these truths, I look back at my brother now and realize, he was the smart one. He asked – not because he was more selfish but because he had a better sense of faith in my parents to supply his needs.

Asking is important because it’s part of how the Holy Spirit teaches us what is permissible to ask for. He teaches us discernment which we do gain over time. He would rather have you asking Him than carrying jealously and envy over what other have. Phil 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, BUT IN EVERYTHING, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

You view of what God is willing to help with is most likely, way too small! God cares about things. Of course he most cares about souls being saved and about people being helped in this defiled world. But he also cares about your needs. We are to pray in faith and have faith in Him to caring about every area of our life.

I have asked the Lord for so many things over the years. I have done so because when I ask in faith, it is pleasing and honoring to the Lord. He wants us dependent upon Him for everything. When we have to lean on ourselves we know we are in trouble. There are far too many things that we are incapable in ourselves of getting, doing, of accomplishing. Asking God for right reasons and out of a pure heart is a product of growth and learning. The thing we should be guilty about is not asking at all! You can’t believe how many people there are that just don’t ask God for anything. He says, “WE HAVE NOT BECAUSE WE ASK NOT!”

Psalm 84:11 tells us “For the LORD God is our light and protector; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” When you ask and you don’t see things happen right away, please keep this in mind. It isn’t because He doesn’t care. Much of what He brings us in life comes through people. God does not usurp people’s will. He has to influence their heart to lead them and hopefully they will respond. If they don’t’ He looks for someone else. Yes He could do a miracle but most often He chooses to use people. Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

Do you have a need? Ask in faith believing. Let the Lord teach you. Be patient and be confident that no good thing will he withhold from you. Say it and believe it!

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt