The term “lack” isn’t a stranger to many of us. In some point of our lives, we’ve come short of the availability of resources. A resource is anything we need in order to function effectively. As you study God’s word, you might have come across several instances where people lacked. Take for instance, Simon Peter, the fisherman; before the Lord found him, he’d been fishing all day, he couldn’t make a single catch- it must have been frustrating. But just when he had given up hope, he found Hope- THE LORD. By whose commanded, peter cast his net again. At first, it didn’t make sense, because peter wasn’t just a freshman fisherman. But against hope, he hoped- and the end? A net filled to the brim with fishes, engulfed by the preserving power of God- so that the net didn’t break, because the weight of the fishes wasn’t resting upon the net but upon the power of God word. How can something so bountiful come from a barren water? Is this what you are asking yourself? Could it be that the miracle was just a coincidence? Are you waiting upon chance? Because you think it could be the only way to meet your needs?
“But without faith it is impossible to please God: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”- Hebrews 11:6
What can lack teach you? what can it do for you? one thing I have learnt is that God is in every situation. That is why he is called omnipresent God. Another thing I’ve come to realise is that, He can also do ALL things- that’s why He’s called the omnipotent God. You see, lack stirs up faith, and creates patience. Most importantly, faith is the only way to please the Lord. And when you please the Lord, the heavens open upon you. In john 8:29, the Lord says “And He that sent Me is with Me, the Father hath not left me alone; for I always do those things that please Him” I want you to be rest assured that God has left you alone- let your faith be stirred up to believe in Gods promises for you. Well, as soon as peter exercised faith, the power in word was put to action and it resulted into abundance. In this situation we see the importance of lack – to exercise faith and faith pulled Peter into the calling of God for his life, to trust, to create room for something greater, to be aware of our shortcomings as humans and to acknowledge God’s power to do supernatural things (Luke 5:4-9).
Philippians 4:19 “And the lord shall supply all my needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Let’s look at another story which is as fascinating as the previous. When the children of Israel left Egypt, they wandered in the wilderness due to their disobedience and murmurings. They wanted the type of food they had in Egypt. The Lord decided to even do better and gave them manna from heaven. And everyday he would replenish their want, on a condition- Exodus 16:19-20 “And Moses said, let no man leave of it (the manner) till the morning. – Notwithstanding, they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.” We can see here that this particular lack was part of God’s plan for divine provision. But Israel didn’t trust God enough, they’d rather hold on to past supplies. In other words, they were afraid to lack. Wasn’t it enough that they were in the wilderness- which is typically a natural habitat for lack, so why add LACK to make matters worse? But Instead of putting their trust in God, they trusted their plan B- greed and mise. Are you already in a wilderness? Would you give God the opportunity to create a table before you in the presence of Your wilderness? Remember that to get refilled, your cup mustn’t be full- you need to make room to receive. Sometimes, lack also means that the old is over and it’s time to receive something new from the Lord.
Lack comes in diverse ways, it could be spiritual lack; a hunger on the inside to connect deeper with God, a lack of path and purpose, a transitioning period where you’ve laid off the old self and you are now learning to fully get a hang on the new you. Lack could also be material or physical things: probably you need a place to live, a job, a spouse, money to start that business or do something else, etc. Lack could also be emotional and psychological: the feeling of being unloved, lack of strength and discipline to break free of addictions and bad behaviours, lack of companionship, the lack of keeping an open mind to accommodate views or things that are different from yours, etc. the list goes on.
But there is good news for you today! You have a God who is the spring of life that never runs dry! For it is written in Psalm 107:9 “He satisfieth the thirsty and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” From this verse it is evident that in the Lord is more than able to satisfy all your needs and in Him you have EVERYTHING you need. He has made provisions for everything you will ever need on earth. All you need to do is take hold of it, by believing and trusting in His word, speaking it out and exercising the patience required to receive.
Let Us Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for my brothers and sisters. I pray that you give them the strength needed to exercise their faith. Dear God, meet them at the point of their needs today, fill every thirsty and hungry soul, heal every broken heart, overflood their lives with your everlasting love and peace, Amen!.
WordCosmos 