Day Eighteen: Needs
GOD KNOWS WHAT WE NEED
In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches us that “…your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” (Matthew 6:8). How amazing is it that the Lord knows exactly what we need before we’ve even gone to Him in prayer?
This isn’t an excuse not to pray, but it should encourage us and give us even greater confidence when we pray!
Imagine if you went to someone to ask for something you truly needed, and before you even opened your mouth, they said, “I know what you’re about to ask.” You’d be shocked and surprised! Why do we act the same way when it comes to God? Our God is a good Father who loves His children and will work things out to meet our needs –– not our wants, but our needs.
Right now, as a church, we’ve talked about needing things (worship leader, kids leader, etc.), but is that what we truly need? Let’s ask God today—Lord, what does our church need?
DAY SEVENTEEN DEVOTIONAL
Scripture: Matthew 6:25-33
25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God[e] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Hear From God
Pull out a journal or your notes app, and take a few minutes to reflect on these verses.
Highlight –– Write down part of the Scripture that stood out to you
Explain –– Answer the question, “What is the Bible teaching?” Ask the Holy Spirit for insight, and use the resources below to help.
Apply –– How can you apply this in real life?
Respond –– Use what you’ve learned to pray, write out a next step, or consider who you can share this with.
PRAY
Today, would you add these things to your prayer time as you pray and fast?
God, thank You for meeting our needs as a church and the needs in my own personal life
Help me to hear from the Holy Spirit today – what does our church need?
Show me how I can contribute to the needs of the church
Prepare us as a church obey you and trust you in the direction you take us
