SEEKING FIRST THE KINGDOM

Jesus said it, and I believe it. But this morning the Holy Spirit used Paul's example to illustrate it for me in a way that challenges me to try something new.

Jesus said that we are to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all the things we need in life will be added as well.

Paul's example of living out the principle: he was shipwrecked onto the island of Malta. In the wreck, he and the rest of the crew lost everything but what they had on their backs. In Acts 28:7-10, Paul meets the chief of the island, named Pulius. He learns that the father of Publius is ill, and he goes to lay hands on him and heal him. Soon, all of the other sick people on the island comes to him, and were cured. "As a result we were showered with honors, and when the time came to sail, people put on board all sorts of things we would need for the trip."

The Spirit's challenge to me is to follow Paul's example, and to focus only on the needs of people around me, rather than on my physical needs. I have for years tried to follow that practice, and have done so in some areas of my life. But I have also been aware of potential donors, and have tried to let financial needs be known in some subtle way, hoping that they will take a hint and hear from God and give. I haven't felt good about that practice, because I know that I have coveted.

George Mueller, Francis Schaeffer and others through history have decided to live with a higher standard, and at least for a season I feel the call to follow their example. They have done their ministry completely by faith, and have purposed to never tell a human about their financial needs. Rather, they make their requests privately to God, and let the Holy Spirit prompt others to meet genuine needs, to the sole glory of God.

In my prayer updates, I have tried to be transparent in my prayer requests, especially the personal requests. But starting this week, and until the Lord releases me from this standard, I feel led to stop mentioning physical and financial needs. I will make my requests known to God, to my wife, and to the elders of my church, but I will not mention financial needs beyond that.

"LORD, You are calling me to a more fervent prayer life, and to greater dependence on You alone to meet my needs and those of my ministry. To Your glory, I will trust You to supply all of my needs in Christ Jesus, by the leading of Your Holy Spirit. Amen."
-ker

ADDENDUM: I wrote this Blog on Monday morning. On Monday afternoon, I received a check for over $500. Monday evening, our church received an unexpected check for over $6400. Praise the Lord for confirming His ways through this very significant timing!