Are You as Needy as I?

We all have needs, don't we? Some of us are good at voicing our needs, while others are content with working toward fulfilling our needs solo. Recently Eric and I did a Bible study on Mark 11. It’s a great book in the Bible that paints one of the most stunning pictures of Jesus. Mark 11 tells us about the awesome ministry and miracles of Jesus. While the whole book of Mark would be some yummy spiritual food, I actually want to focus on a very colorful statement Jesus made in Mark 11:22-25: (Appetizer, perhaps?)

(22) “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. (23) “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. (24) Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (25) And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

What are your thoughts on what Jesus said? Do you think the statement is metaphoric or realistic? Many may interpret this just as Jesus says it, whatever you want God will provide. Let’s re-evaluate what Jesus says:

To receive what we ask for we must 1) have Faith in God 2) believe in our hearts that what we say will happen (no doubt!) and 3) ask it without having hate or vengeance for anyone in our heart.

Wow! That’s a big pill to swallow, don’t you think? In my opinion I think God wants His children to be responsible and pray for their needs and desires. In verse 23 Jesus speaks about the mountain being cast into the sea; a very extraordinary act but as demonstrated throughout the Bible, faith can most certainly moves mountains, just like Jesus’ faith wilted a fig tree overnight. (Mark 11:12-20) And is it we who cast the mountain into the sea? Can faith in ourselves alone get us our needs and desires? No, again Jesus says, “…what he says will happen, it will be done for him.” (Mark 11:23)

True faith pleases God and just like an earthly parent, God has a soft spot for His children. God can give you what you need without giving you exactly what you think you need. God says “No” just as much as He says “Yes”. Whatever answer we receive, we have to remember there’s a reason behind His decision. It could be timing and sometimes it takes a “No” to get to the really wonderful things in life. True?

So in closing, I’d like to remind you to take any of your needs to the Lord. He always listens and always responds (are you listening?) It may not be exactly what you want but it will be exactly what you need! God bless you!

History

I know how hard it is to stay positive. There have been some stressful situations in my life that have tested my ability to keep positive. I won’t lie, at times, I have failed. I can only thank God that I’m surrounded with caring people who understand and express compassion just when I need it!

I can sit and make a thousand excuses for why I’ve done this or why I have done that but when it comes down to it, all that matters is that its history and God has given me a new day to make up for it. I would be at a loss if I chose not to take this new day and be the best ME I can be.

It’s nice to take in fresh air and truly let the past go. It isn’t easy but it’s really the only way I can be who I am – a loving and forgiving person. Today, for my own sake, I am choosing to let history be history.

TO MY HUSBAND, ERIC (my best friend!): You deserve a real shout out here because you have above all been my support system throughout all the low points in time. You know the struggles and you have chosen patience over anger. Without you, I would have let anger get the best of me. You have listened, you have given me support, you have defended me and furthermore loved me unconditionally through out. I’m glad I married my best friend – I can’t think of a better person to spend my life with. I love you, Eric!

TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Saying thank you isn’t enough! I appreciate every single one of you, near and far. I am so blessed to have you in my life. You are so wonderful and I’m glad that our paths have crossed. Many hugs, many kisses…and a thousand more best wishes!

If you are struggling with anger or grudges, I hope you too can take the high road and say, “enough is enough!” Truly, there is no situation, no person, place or thing that should have that much negative impact on a person’s true self!

SCRIPTURES: Here are a few scriptures that have helped me:

Proverbs 14
“People with a hot temper do foolish things; wiser people remain calm.” “If you stay calm, you are wise, but if you have a hot temper, you only show how stupid you are.” (17, 29). The terms “stupid” and “fool” in Proverbs refer to sin and error, not mental ability.

Proverbs 15
“A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.” “Hot tempers cause arguments, but patience brings peace.” (1,18)

Mark 11: 22-25
(22) And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
(23) For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
(24) Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
(25) And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Hope these help you as much as they have helped me.