Day 33 – November 11, 2012 – 40 Day Spiritual Journey

WANT VS. NEED
READ Ephesians 6: 10-18
REFLECT
Living here in Canada, we are so rich beyond what we even know but we always want more. No amount of “stuff” seems to satisfy us. We have believed that having more money, more stuff, a bigger house or a newer car will make us happy. But what we don’t see behind most people’s “stuff” is that most of it, if not all of it, is bought with debt! And debt does not bring happiness at all.
I have learned this lesson and have changed the way I view money. Money is now a tool for providing for my needs and not my wants. By giving up some of my wants, I am now able to help provide for others’ needs and that is where real happiness comes from. I love to give to others and being debt free has allowed me to do this more. I am so grateful for learning this lesson.
God got my attention through a message at Connexus and used it to jump start some big changes in the way I handle money. It wasn’t easy and I wanted to quit so many times but I kept my eyes on the goal of honouring God with the money he gave me. I can now say, with a huge smile on my face, that I have learned the truth that has been so freeing for me.
God is faithful in giving us the strength and power we need to overcome our greed. My whole mindset on money and possessions has drastically changed.
“Ephesians 6:10-11 10…be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on all of God’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.”
God helps keep my eyes focused on others and not myself. I can’t do that on my own! Everything in me wants, wants, wants but I am relying on God’s power to keep me focused on what others need.
God is so gracious, when we hold our “possessions and money” up with open hands to him, he will provide and give us more than we can ever expect.
BOTTOM LINE
God provides us with what we need but not always what we want!
LIVE
How can you bless someone else with what God has given you? Something you want could fill another person’s need!!! Why not be BOLD and give your want away to someone who needs it?
PRAY
I pray that we will lean into God’s strength and use what God has given us to bless others. There is so much need all around us. Lord, help us to look to you for direction on which “want” we can put aside to fill someone else’s “need”.
Julia Achilles