Just What I Need, He Gives

Dee Bowman
 
What we want and what we need are not always the same. Sometimes we want what we don’t need and very often we need what we don’t want. For instance, we don’t want trouble, but trouble sometimes helps us. “My brothers and sisters, when you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4).

Jesus has provided for our needs—all of them. His provisions are perfect, just what we need to make sure that our lives here are what they should be and that we are making adequate preparations for the life to come.

We need spiritual sustenance. He said, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). A life devoid of spiritual food is an empty life, one without that which is needed for eternity. It may look good on the outside, but inwardly there is a fundamental lack in what is needed to insure eternal life.

We need illumination. He said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). It’s foolish to stumble through life when the way can be lighted so we can see our way clearly. This spiritual light is effective because the knowledge of which it is comprised shines in places where worldly knowledge cannot go.

We need a way. He said, “I am the true and living way” (John 14:6). He is not just a way, He is the way. He is not just any way, He is the highway, the noble way, the only way that takes us where we need to go.

We need assurance. He said, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25-26). Death is inevitable, but for those who believe in Him and follow His lead, the way to eternity is not only clearly marked by His resurrection, but assured in His promises of ours.

We need access. He said, “I am the door of the sheepfold” (John 10:7-9). There is a place of safety, a place where we can rest from our labors and lean forever upon His love. Heaven is truly “a prepared place for a prepared people.” We have an entry into that great place by Jesus Christ.

We need connection. He said, “I am the vine and ye are the branches” (John 15:1-8). Our connection to Him through our obedience to His word gives us the strength we need to endure, the joy we need to press on, the hope we need to sustain us in times of difficulties. Truly, He is the vine, our strength and our stay.

Yes, all we need He has supplied. Let us rejoice and be glad.