It’s time for Five Minute Friday, and the prompt for this week is the word lack. Technically we are supposed to write for five minutes without editing. But I usually end up editing a little bit. Then I look for photos or find the scriptures I want to use. So I don’t include that extra time in the five minutes.
[bctt tweet=”Almost all of us probably feel like there is often something lacking in our lives.” username=”GaylWright”]
We look around and see others who have more than we do and might be tempted to think we need what they have. That can happen when we take our eyes of Jesus and look at our circumstances or compare ourselves with others.
When We Lack Wisdom
Often we do lack wisdom in a given situation. But there is an answer to that in the book of James.
James 1:5-6 (CSB)
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.
Contentment and Needs
Maybe He doesn’t give us everything at once that we think we need, but He is always with us. Like Paul tells us in Philippians 4, we need to learn contentment in whatever place we are.
Philippians 4:12-13, 19 (CSB)
I know both how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.
And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
We may go through hardship, but God can meet our needs even then. I remember times when we didn’t have enough income, but God provided for us, sometimes in unexpected ways. People gave money. Others gave groceries and other items.
My five minutes ended, but I want to share a few more thoughts and include a collage from my art journal.
Fragrance of Christ
There are times when we feel inadequate for the tasks that God calls us to do. In 2 Corinthians Paul shares these words:
2 Corinthians 2:14-15 (CSB)
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in Christ’s triumphal procession and through us spreads the aroma of the knowledge of him in every place. For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
As I shared in a group earlier today, Paul is speaking of himself and Timothy. But I believe it can be applied to us as well, since we are Christ’s witnesses here on earth. How in the world can we be the fragrance of Christ if we feel inadquate? There is also an answer to that lack. Further in the book of 2 Corinthians we read this:
2 Corinthians 3:5-6 (CSB)
It is not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God. He has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
[bctt tweet=”We may be weak or lacking in ourselves, but God provides the strength and wisdom for any task He gives us.” username=”GaylWright”] Our weakness shows us our need for Him. He enables us to be the fragrance of Christ to the world.
[bctt tweet=”What thoughts do you have about lack and provision? I’d love to hear your stories.” username=”GaylWright”]
I’m linking up with: #FiveMinuteFriday, #InspireMeMonday, #TellHisStory
Wisdom’s something I ain’t got,
or so my alma mater said.
But my PhD wasn’t bought,
and it was their hand I played.
I had the lowest GPA
to ever take the quals,
and in passing, oh, YAY!
I knocked down some walls.
After that they changed the rules
and wallowed in the shame
that my hands, more used to tools
had won at their own game.
The ivory tower’d men, so lettered
were by a knuckledragger bettered.
Andrew, how do you keep coming up with these ingenious poems??!! Thanks so much for sharing your talent and inspiration with so many of us. You are truly an example of one who puts his trust in God. Blessings to you and yours!
Gayl, I truly don’t know where the poems come from; I was never very interested in that discipline,until I realised that it could be a could way to keep focus through pain. It is kind of fun.
Thank you so much for your kind words; I am truly honoured.
Blessings back!
I went with our brother and friend Paul also. Our posts are similar – yours is much more eloquent!
Thank you, Susan! You know the saying, “Great minds think alike.” Blessed to be your sister in Christ. May God pour out His blessings on you! xo
Always a good reminder that we lack nothing when we depend on the Holy Spirit for everything. Visiting from FMF #6
Yes, He is our source of strength and peace. Blessings to you, Heather!
So beautiful today Gayl! And you know that the dogwood blooms always touch me and remind me of my Mom. I am realizing so many of the spring flowers remind me of her! Maybe that was the hidden longing in her heart to see the New Life of Jesus, HIS provision in the places that feel so barren and winter-worn. He is our all-sufficient One! Love & Hugs Dear Sister! xoxo
Thank you, dear Bettie! Yes, I always think of you now when I see the dogwoods. He definitely is our all-sufficient One. Blessings, love and hugs to you, dear sister! xoxo
God’s provision is so daily necessary, and surprises me so often. 🙂
Yes, our God is full of surprises and provides just what we need. Thanks for visiting. Blessings to you!
Thanks for sharing Gayl, Your writings…especially your poems are very special since it reminds us His never ending blessings and the mighty works of His fingers.
Thank you, Athira. It is my hope and joy to encourage others to trust in the mighty power and love of God. Blessings to you!
Beautiful! Thankful God provides for us.
Thank you, Tara! Yes, so thankful. Blessings to you! xo
I am always amazed at how much you can get accomplished in 5 minutes of writing! I love the phrase “fragrance of Christ” and your thoughts. You are so right – we must believe in ourselves in order to be the fragrance of Christ here on earth. What a lovely thought!
Thank you, Laurie. We can’t do it without the Lord, but He is so ready to help us move forward even in fear. Blessings to you! Thanks for visiting and commenting. 🙂
This was such a wonderful and encouraging post to read this morning, Gayl. At times, I may lack but in those times, He always gives more of His Presence and He is always more than enough. Thank you for reminding me of this today. Blessings!
Thank you, Joanne. I’m so glad you were encouraged! Yes, He is always there to give us strength or whatever else we need. Blessings to you!
Love this Gayl! Your words and art are such an encouragement. There’s something about the thought of being the fragrance of Christ that is so overwhelming! I’m going to ponder on this some more! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much, Cindy! I’m so glad to encourage you. Yes, I agree, it is an overwhelming thought and something to ponder…. Blessings to you! Thank you for visiting and commenting. It means a lot.
In my lacking, is where I learned complete trust in God. I can’t provide for myself. He does the providing and I am content in that.
And I should have said, “you words are beautiful and so on target. “
Thank you so much, dear Mandy. It’s true that we do learn to trust when we lack. He does provide. Blessings to you!
Good words to ponder this morning. We are not on earth to get our needs met. We are here to glorify God and to look to Him. God is faithful to provide provision and wisdom. And I’ve matured as a Believer when I trust Him. Blessings, Susan from fruitfulwords.com
He is so faithful. Not only does He provide, he helps us trust and follow His leading. Blessings to you, Susan! Thanks for visiting.