The Question of Need

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN FOR CALVARY CAMBRIDGE’S 21 DAYS OF FASTING AND PRAYER, FOUND HERE: https://mycalvary.life/day-07-the-question-of-need/

If you’re like me, you’ve probably caught yourself at least once casually stating, “God is all I need.” And if you’re like me, you probably haven’t asked God to prove it.

Every year when we begin the fast, the number one question on my mind is, “What I will fast?” What things are easy enough to do without, but still appear difficult enough that I seem virtuous? When deciding, I’ve caught myself saying things like, “I can’t fast coffee – I need that!” or, “I can’t stop watching Netflix – I need that!” and even, “Stop eating food? But I need that!”

The thing about fasting though, is that it’s about focusing us on the fact that the only thing we truly need is Jesus; that if we have Jesus and nothing else, that is enough. If we have Jesus (even if we feel hungry, under-caffeinated, or bored), we have everything we need.

What things do you need?
“I need that coffee”
“I need my sleep”
“I need that sweater”
“I need that cheesecake”
“I need that money”
“I need that meal”
“I need to watch the game”
“I need that time”

What “needs” can you give up to remind yourself that God is all you need? (And I’m not talking about the things we need to survive; I’m talking about the things that we think we need to be happy, successful, or satisfied.)
Maybe it’s fasting coffee; relying on His word to give you energy.
Maybe it’s fasting sleep; waking up early to spend time with Him.
Maybe it’s fasting spending; giving to God instead of giving to yourself.
Maybe it’s fasting food, fasting time, fasting social media, fasting music, or fasting a hobby.

Whatever you fast during these 21 days, I pray that you allow God to remind you that He is all you truly need.

PSALM 16:5-11 MSG
My choice is you, God, first and only. And now I find I’m your choice! You set me up with a house and yard. And then you made me your heir! The wise counsel God gives when I’m awake is confirmed by my sleeping heart. Day and night I’ll stick with God; I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go. I’m happy from the inside out, and from the outside in, I’m firmly formed. You canceled my ticket to hell – that’s not my destination! Now you’ve got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face. Ever since you took my hand, I’m on the right way.

2 THESSALONIANS 1:2 MSG
Our God gives you everything you need, makes you everything you’re to be.