Let me ask you a question: What do you need today?
I think that many of us know right away exactly what it is that we need today.
Whether it is more patience, more sleep, less stress, more energy, more money, or something else, I’m pretty sure you have a list of things that are needed.
And when we find ourselves in need, all manner of doubts, fears and questions may come up: “how will I ever make it?” or “what will happen if…” or even “I better figure something out!”
Let’s put that thought on hold for a second.
Do you remember how Jesus taught His disciples to pray: “Give us this day our daily bread.” Twice in the same request Jesus reminded us that the needs are specific to the day and so is God’s answer.
Jesus is teaching us to ask for our daily bread, our daily strength, our daily wisdom.
And of course Jesus is teaching us what to ask and how to ask it because He knows that His Father desires to answer and gift good gifts to those who ask of Him.
So what is the point?
Simply this:
There is sufficient grace for the day. We must pray for our daily bread, but then let us realize (and hold fast to the fact) that in Christ and from Christ we have enough for the day. There is enough wisdom for the day. God is giving us daily light for our path. He is pouring forth sufficient peace for the day. God is freely availing to us ample supply for our need.
So please, remember to humbly and reverently ask God daily to supply what is needed for that day. Be specific. Be bold. Have faith.
And then as you continue praying without ceasing over the course of the day simultaneously pray and give thanks for God supplying whatever is needed for the day:
- Thank you God for the energy sufficient to the day
- Thank you Lord for enough gentleness and patience to serve and help others
- Thank you Lord for sufficient supply for my food and drink and bills for today
- Thank you Lord ample patience, joy, peace, love for the situations and people I will be around today
Trust me, this will test your faith. And no, this is not a “name it and claim it” theology. This is simply trusting God to do what He said He would do and then asking, waiting and watching for the miraculous ways that God supplies.
If we look at the story of manna from the Lord we understand that rarely will God give us more than we need (in order to save for another day) but instead we just rest in the peace and assurance that there is enough for today coming from the heart and hands of our good God!
Lord, please give us this day our daily bread.
Pastor Michael Johnson 