Do You Have a Need?

What needs do you have? Do you need the basics of life - food, shelter or clothing? Are your needs of a more spiritual nature such as peace, comfort, friendship, love? Each one of us has needs even if we can't or won't voice those needs to others. It can be difficult and humbling to admit that we can't make it through this world without some help, but it is in those situations that God works best. He created us with a need for Him and when we finally reach a point where we cry out to Him for help, He is right there. "And my God will supply all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Everything in the world ultimately belongs to God and He can distribute wealth, clothing, food and shelter any way that He chooses. The blessings that He wants to pour out on His children often go unused because we are too proud to ask Him to meet our needs. We think that we are required to meet our own needs and that God expects us to take care of ourselves, but often He is just waiting for us to seek His help and admit that we are powerless on our own. He wants to hear that we need Him.

God often works through others to provide for our needs. Christians are often the first people to arrive at disasters because we know that Christ expects us to be His hands and feet to the world. In Matthew 25:34-39 we get a glimpse into the heart of God.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why:

I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me.’

“Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’ (The Message)

We don't have to look too far to find someone in need. Within our own community this week, our congregation has heard of so many people who have needs both physical and spiritual. A couple from our church lost all their belongings in a house fire, several members have undergone surgery and we have been helping two families who were once homeless get their lives back on track. Another man in our congregation lost his daughter this week to a drug overdose. 

Whether you have a basic need like shelter or food on your table or you have a spiritual need to overcome grief, the Lord Jesus can meet your need. There are churches around the world which are opening their doors and calling upon Christians to help provide food, shelter and clothing; to pray and visit those who have health concerns and encourage those who are sick and grieving.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome that they should share with the Lord's people who are in need and practice hospitality. (Romans 12:13) 

Sometimes the needs of others are just so overwhelming that we don't know where to begin. The small things that we could offer just don't seem like they amount to much, but be encouraged. This week I've seen the people in a small church, with average attendance between 80 and 100, offer to give monetary donations, provide home furnishings and give of their time and manpower to help others. Each donation of a table, bedding, clothing and dishes is being gathered and stored in one location so that all those who are rebuilding their lives can come and take what they need. Each article, each dollar, each minute of time and energy is a blessing. 

It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy. Proverbs 14:21

Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. Proverbs 14:31

Whether you are the one in need or the one who will meet the need doesn't really matter. What matters is that God is glorified and Jesus is served. If you have a need I hope you will seek out God and His people to help you. Christian churches can be found in communities around the world. If you are thinking that you cannot offer much to help others, think again. Whatever small thing you do for others, you're doing it for Jesus.