God is the giver of all good things. Trusting in this, I find that I often treat prayer like a Christmas list, asking Him for the things that I want and that I need in my life. It’s possible that He can’t give me what I really need until I let go of a few things, such as old habits, and make more room.
So I’m going to start this new year by listing some needs that, with God’s help, will be eliminated from my life.
- My need to be appreciated.
I don’t need praise from those around me. My God is the only one I want to impress. It is His approval that counts. John 12:43 - My need to ‘fit in’.
Romans 12:2 and 1 Peter 1:14 tells me that I am not to conform to the pattern of the world around me but I must be transformed by the renewing of my mind. - My need to appear smart.
I don’t need to be a great speaker to share the good news of Jesus Christ. The power is in the message of the gospel, not in my words. 1 Corinthians 1:17-21 - My need to be physically attractive.
Other people look at physical appearance, but they don’t see what the Lord sees. He sees my heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 - My need to be first.
Paul writes that I shouldn’t look for what is good for me, but I should be concerned with what is good for others. 1 Corinthians 10:24 - My need to be wealthy.
Luke 16:13 tells me that God and money cannot both have first place in my life. Luke 16:19-26 tells a story that warns against putting too much value on possessions. I’ll put God first and leave the rest to Him. - My need to be strong.
My own strength is never enough but the Bible tells me that God’s power can be displayed best when I am weak. 2 Corinthians 12:9&10 - My need to be ‘good enough.’
I always try to be good and do what is right, but no matter how hard I work at it, I always fail. I will always fall short of God’s glory. The amazing thing is that by His grace and through the work of Jesus Christ. I can rest in the fact that I am good enough. Romans 4:25 and Romans 6:18-19
A Walk With the Women of the Bible
E-Book by Lynne Chapman
Join me in getting to know some other amazing women of the Bible
while we extract valuable insights and lessons from their lives.
