All I’ll Need
“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need
for living a godly life.” 2 Peter 1:3
Written by Pat Klein
As I write today, it’s the last day of 2023. Looking back, I reflect on answers to prayer, examples of God providing, forgiving, guiding, even using me to bless others. I’m thankful. This morning in church we sang some old hymns (a bit unusual for us).
… Great is your faithfulness … pardon for sin and a peace that endures, your own dear Presence that cheers and guides, strength for today, hope for tomorrow… … All my life, you’ve been faithful … I love your voice - you’ve led me through the fire, in darkest night you’ve been close like no other, I’ve known you as a Father, a Friend, I’ve lived in your goodness…
My heart was overflowing with praise!
Yet, along with all this, 2023 also brought some surprises. Things that haven’t worked out as expected. Tasks that still need patience and perseverance. Some disappointment, even depression, nips at the edges of the spirit.
Firstly, I remind myself that our times are in God’s hands and that God has a plan. See Ephesians 1:9-11.
And secondly, when Jesus was facing incredible suffering, he was able to keep his focus by looking ahead.
Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and is now seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. (Hebrews 12:2) It continues: Consider him who has endured such hostility, so you won’t grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3)
God understands that we’ll sometimes grow weary and lose heart. Looking at our Savior’s example helps so much!
Paul, prayed over those he loved in the scattered churches:
“May the God of peace equip you with all you need for doing his will. (Even when that will seem to be just slogging along, with patience, faithfulness, and perseverance.) And he continues: May God produce in you every good thing that’s pleasing to him.” (Hebrews 13:20-21)
And Peter assures us:
“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.” (2 Peter 1:3)
Maybe your heart is like mine today.
Father, I’m SO LIMITED in my perspective! But you see eternity past and future. I’m SO WEAK many times. But you have incredible patience and love for me.
Father, my heart agrees with Paul’s prayer, that you produce in me every good thing that’s pleasing to you. Not every good thing that occurs to my mind, … not every good thing that appeals to my tastes, … not every good suggestion I read about or that others may suggest. Lord, may my heart’s desire be that you do your work in my life to produce every good thing that’s pleasing to YOU.
And thank you that you will equip me with all I’ll need for this:
all the hours I’ll need.
all the strength I’ll need.
all the friends I’ll need.
all the generosity of spirit and love and patience I’ll need.
And I hear Him answering me:
“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
Somehow, in the mysterious ways of the Kingdom, when we acknowledge, “the truth is I’m so weak!”, then His grace facilitates His own super-abundant power to steadily equip us with all we need!
Dear friends, as we face 2024, let’s take fresh confidence in the assurance that our Lord, by His grace and power will equip us with all we’ll need to do His will each day.
