“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:55-58
Yesterday, I shared ‘what I really wanted’ and today let’s think more about what we ‘really need’. My wants are not always what my life is ‘really needing’ to accomplish His will. I ‘want’ to be healed from the physical limitations that are more prevalent in a person twenty years older than me but living with them causes me to draw closer to Him and be more sensitive to the needs of those around me. Sometimes our needs are frivolous and I know that is really hard to confess but sometimes they are, especially when we were younger. One of the needs of these four Haitian girls is that plate of food sitting on their desk; a dollar will provide that blessing for them. That meal is the difference between energy to learn or just ‘being’ from day to day. The girl on the left would like to have a vest like her classmates but she needs to wait until her older sister graduates and then passes it down for her. And really, there is only one real thing that we need; Jesus. He is the answer to all our needs on this side of Heaven and will be there to meet and greet us one day when our earthly journey is over. Seek Him first before pursuing your needs. I am closing with the words to a song that I heard a group called Greater Vision sing on the radio yesterday called ‘He does’ that was from their ‘As we speak’ album.
“If anyone ever felt as though his sin was deeper than grace would go; I have. If anyone ever thought his prayer was a waste of time, 'cause no one cares; I have. If anyone believes that he's gone too far then my friend I have been right where you are. You're not alone, no, you're not alone. I have good news to share with you. What you're feeling now is far from true, so keep hanging on. Cause if there is one Who loves beyond the sad mistakes that we've all done; He does. If there's a soul who understands and longs to heal the hurts we have; He does! Jesus does! He walked the road to Calvary, He suffered pain and agony because He knew there'd come a day when you would need to call His name. If there is one who wants to be the one and only friend you need; He does! If anyone has a right to say thank you Lord for another day; I do. If anyone has a reason to sing a song when gray skies hide the blue; that's me. If anyone can stand and testify, you can count on me and I'll tell you why; He set me free, oh, He set me free! When the guilt and shame from my own sin sought to rob me of the joy He gives; He reminded me! Cause if there's one who loves beyond the sad mistakes that we've all done; He does! If there is a soul who understands and longs to heal the hurts we have; He does! Jesus does!”
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you…Jay