“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
Have you ever visited an ice cream shop or burger spot and they ask what toppings you’d like? Some of us have simple palates (or are purists) and like it plain with cheese, or have our crazy go-to ice cream combinations like crushed pineapple and maple walnut ice cream (don’t knock it until you try it). There are also some people that just can’t settle for a couple of things and want to have it all. So, they ask for The Works, which is a towering sampling of all there is to offer on that single ice cream sundae or burger, for some it may be too much, for them it's an example of what they need. That’s what it is like having God’s power working in us; we can have everything we want and need to lead this godly life and not have to settle for one or two things.
In these opening verses of 2 Peter, Peter is making his final speech to the church, empowering them to grow in faith by service and devotion to God. He starts the chapter by telling them what they have at their disposal to grow. He didn’t give a curated menu or even suggestions, he simply said we have been given EVERYTHING we need. That means all sorts of things, every kind of thing, and all existing things. I’m glad he didn’t give a long specified list, because it would have ended up being a Peter’s List, which meant he would have missed something that I need or that you need. Instead, he says you have all of it! That means all-inclusive, and The Works at no extra charge!
We could literally just fill in the blank of what we need or want of God to help us lead a life of godliness. We can have it all! Asking for The Works gives us that special blend that only He can satisfy! Right now, I need a concoction of courage, rest, healing and creativity---The (Kayla) Works! This time last year, I had one solitary thing on my list. I needed God to be a parent to me, and God met me at my need with a fathering and mothering spirit. That is the amazing thing about this proclamation, God does not run out or operate in lack for us---He gives in abundance!
Reflection
What are the things that you need from God right now? Have your needs changed of God? What are you missing that only God can satisfy? Write them down and make these requests unto God. Watch how they change over time, and how you are growing in godliness.
Prayer
Now, thanks be to God that gives in abundance! We honor you for the vastness of your power and the multiplicity of your offerings to us as your disciples! We can come to you with any and every request and need, and you give it in accordance with your own glory and goodness. You meet me at the very point of my need, wherever, whenever and however! I can boldly say I have any good thing that I need through God and Christ Jesus! I have all I need through God and Christ Jesus! I have every single thing that I need through God and Christ Jesus! Hallelujah! Amen.
Photo by Pablo Merchán Montes on Unsplash
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