A need-filler, not a wish-granter
and other thoughts on God as our Provider and Master of the Harvest.
Hi friend! (I’m trying something new with the audio version of this newsletter, if you rather listen than read this—click the recording above)
Lately I’ve been thinking about the difference between our wants and our needs. You know, I may want to lose 20 pounds, but I NEED tacos… (just kidding!)
I’m talking about how God will meet our needs, but not always our wants, and how often we confuse the two. Personally, I take comfort in knowing that God meets all my needs (the ones I have + the ones I will have) Along with the ones I am aware of and the ones I’m not.
It never fails to amaze me though, how we can mistake a need for a want and a want for a need. This is so obvious for me when I look at my kids. They want what they want and have convinced themselves they need it. They become very vocal about getting their “needs” met—when really it is just a want that they have. (most often a strong want driven by a selfish desire) But good luck trying to tell them they don’t “need” dessert! 🤣
This is how we get the funny stories about toddlers having meltdowns because we cut their sandwiches the wrong way or gave them the blue fork instead of the red one.
As adults, we can easily respond the same way when our needs wants aren’t met.
While we might not outwardly throw a temper tantrum, we may inwardly be “pouting”:
How long?
Why me?
This is so unfair.
And it can get tricky, we want to pray God’s will for our lives, but we can be clouded by our own desire and wants. (Don’t even get me started on the condition of our heart!)
All this to say that is you find yourself frustrated and discouraged that you’re not getting your needs met, I encourage you to ask yourself these two questions:
Is this a want or is this a need?
What is my true desire?
I will say that there is nothing wrong with praying for your wants and desires, unless it is getting in the way of you surrendering your will in favor of God’s will.
The idea of prayer, supplication, and petition is not a formula we have to follow to get our needs met, but the beginning of our prayer conversation.
A dialogue, not a monologue.
If you find yourself having a hard time in this area, take heart—you are not alone! Here is a quick list of scriptures below that can help encourage you and remind you that God is a need-meeter, not a wish-granter. (and honestly, if I got everything that I ever wanted and prayed for, I wouldn’t have what I’ve been blessed with right now).
Philippians 4:19 - "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." This verse emphasizes that God supplies our needs, not necessarily our wants.
Matthew 6:31-33 - "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Jesus teaches that God knows our needs and will provide them if we prioritize His kingdom.
Psalm 23:1 - "The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing." This metaphor highlights God as a shepherd who cares for and provides for His flock, ensuring they lack nothing they truly need.
2 Corinthians 9:8 - "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." This verse indicates that God's provision is meant to enable us to do good, focusing on needs rather than excesses.
And, if you struggle with prayer, either knowing what to pray or how to pray, my friend and client, Jenn recently published a book on this very thing!
Do you feel discouraged by unanswered prayer? Maybe you feel like your prayer life has become routine and uninspired? Or maybe you’re searching for how to pray according to God’s will for a specific person or situation?
On the Same Page with God will help you view the Bible as a treasure trove of prayer possibilities, providing you with the words that can align your heart and your will with God. Within these pages, you will uncover the benefits of praying Scripture and experience the transformative power of getting on the same page with God, both literally and figuratively.
To Sow, To Plant, To Reap
As a writer and creative, it can be hard feeling like we’re not seeing any fruit from the seeds we're sowing or planting. We wonder if anyone really cares what we’re doing, or if we’re even making a difference.
The vulnerable post with no likes or comments
Crickets on your latest article share
No feedback on your latest piece of art or writing
When we don’t seem to see any visible changes, or when we feel like we are going backward instead of forward—the doubt can start to creep in.
Who cares?
Why does this matter?
Who am I to think I can/should…
Instead of giving into these feelings of doubt and insecurity, I encourage you to use them as fuel to keep pressing on—over and over again.
Continue to sow and plant seeds so you can reap the harvest.
And sometimes we just need to stop and take inventory of our “field”. What we have sown, what we are planting, and what we are reaping.
The seeds I’ve sown recently:
I finished editing 4 full manuscripts (two memoirs, one self-help, and one creative nonfiction) over the months of June and July. I’m so excited for my clients as they take their next steps in becoming published authors!
I will be sharing more about their individual books as they are released. Trust me, you’re going to want to grab your copy of each!
This also means I have a few openings for editing, so if you have a project that could use a fresh set of eyes on it, let’s schedule a time to chat.
The seeds I’m planting:
Currently, as the editor of the book, Courageous Voices Unlocked, I have the privilege to once again submit a chapter to this collaborative book with my dear friend, Carmel Austin.
In my story, I share part of my testimony that I would rather just skip over and pretend like it never happened.
I came across this quote and I’m holding onto it as I expose one of the most vulnerable parts of myself and my story. My hope is to encourage others towards the same.
“Writing is a tool of transformation, bringing us closer to our souls.” - Hillary Carlip
I’m attending (virtually) The Write His Answer Conference next week. Yes, I’m still at it. I’m still sharing my book, Write With Confidence to agents and publishers who may be interested helping to bring it to a larger audience. God has been showing me so many things about myself throughout this process, and while I don’t know the outcome—I know that my labor is not in vain.
And what I’m reaping:
I am so excited to be a guest speaker at this FREE virtual event coming up later this month for women who want to write and publish a book!!
Mark your calendar for August 12-16!
This is a FREE virtual summit, so you can watch and participate from anywhere in the world, from the comfort of your home, at your own pace.
Find all the details and sign up for FREE at www.thrivingauthorssummit.com
Can’t wait to see you there!!
I’m also excited to announce that I’m giving the opening keynote + a brainstorming workshop at the 35tribe Conference for Christian Content Creators in early October. (if you happen to be in the Charlotte area, I’d love to meet you in person!)
Find all the details and register at https://www.iajministries.org/35tribeconference
Your Turn:
What seeds are you sowing for the Kingdom?
What seeds are you planting?
What harvest are you reaping right now?
I want to take a moment and welcome those that are new to my newsletter. I know a few of you signed up from the Courageous Writer Bundle, so welcome to the Live and Create Transformed Community! I’m so glad you’re here! 🦋
I have so many exciting resources and opportunities coming up…I can’t wait to share them with you soon!
Cheering you on,
Thank you for sharing about my book! And thank you for being such an incredible part of my writing journey.