He has given us all we need for life and godliness

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption of the world caused by evil desires." [2 Peter 1:3,4]

God's divine power is almighty. By it he created the heavens and the earth. Why is it we so often think we are destined to be poor and penniless? If God Almighty is our God, then HE ALONE is our "very great reward", and all that we need is in Him.

Not only does He give us everything we need spiritually, but this verse says, "everything we need for life and godliness", meaning the life needs AND spiritual needs. Maybe we will lose much in this world. But the wealth of all the universe is at the disposal of our Lord. Will he not "tax the last grain of sand and the remotest star to bless us, if we will obey Him"? [Oswald Chambers, May 16] Surely it is so, as He has solemnly promised, "I will bless you," and, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you will bear much fruit," and, "I will never leave you nor forsake you," and, "How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him," and, "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well."

I will not preach a prosperity gospel. But rather a gospel of "The Lord will provide." God alone knows all our needs. If he knows our needs, he will provide our daily bread, surely.

But what of the shortages so many godly people face? How many churches and ministries are begging for help and barely able to maintain operations in these days? It is most certain that God has not failed them. They are doing what he has not provided, nor commanded. He has commanded, "Preach the gospel to all creation," and, "Make disciples of all nations." These people want to make radio broadcasts. That's easy, it just takes money. To make disciples, THAT is another matter. It takes not money, but the Holy Spirit.

And God has abundantly given us of His Spirit, to those who ask, just as He promised. Last Sunday, my own poor message on Luke 11 was so abundantly blessed by GOd, that I was myself moved by it to pray more. I almost couldn't believe God had led me to read the most ideal Psalm before the message, which I had selected almost at random. And the message was fine and powerful, not because I prepared well, which I assuredly did NOT, but because THE LORD GAVE THE WORD.

I will not claim the credit, but give the glory to God, that I can preach. It is not a message I would bother to give anyone to READ. But to preach it, by God's help, I have been helped greatly, greatly. This I cannot but thank and exalt him for, with all my heart and soul.

What Peter writes is that God HAS given us all we need for doing God's work. Provided we are doing HIS work, and not merely trying to be a popular preacher, or history-maker, or Great Man, or power broker in our community, or a successful religious professional---God has provided all the wealth we need already! How positively sad it is when ministers cannot get anything done if X number of dollars aren't forthcoming from their supporters by such-and-such a date.

What then has God called ME to do? To preach the gospel right here and now in UVa, and make disciples. What do I lack? Why have I not started? Am I short on education, or credentials, or human authority? Do I need a helper or some kind of prayer squadron, like Billy Graham always had? There are those who are praying for me, such as Mother Sarah Barry, Kevin Albright, Grace Koh. If these three agree and support me, how is it their voices are not enough, not loud enough, to reach God's ear? Surely I have all I need in God to do His work powerfully here in Charlottesville. Surely! Surely!

Why then do I hesitate to preach? to go to the campus? to ask people to study? Why do I hesitate to open my mouth and proclaim God's word? There is, I fear, only one thing I lack: faith. Like the Tin Man, I lack a heart. Instead of caring for the lost and misled people all around me and on the campuses, I am engulfed with the cares and worries of this world and desires for other things, weeds that make the seed unfruitful, even though the soil is very good. As the saying goes, "The rankest weeds grow also in the richest soil."

What are these weeds? They are interests, cares, worries and desires for things like money and fame and security. I want security for myself and my family. I know God will provide. Perhaps he will open up a job for me to provide, or inspire me to write something powerful that will sell. I am sure He has given me all I need, though, to do HIS work already. I need only GO. That word... it is so unpleasant and inconvenient. I have to go the campus before I can possibly meet students and bring them. I cannot preach in my empty house, but must preach to those who are not really that interested in hearing, so as to encourage their interest, to give them that word by which they can believe. "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent?" [Ro 10:14,15]

Lord, forgive my unbelief. If you have already given me all I need, send me to preach now. Lord, I cannot go if I am not sent. Please assume me that it is YOU who are sending me, and not any man, nor my own idea. Here am I; send me!