You Know What You Want - But God Knows What You Need!

Scripture text: Acts 3:2-7, 16, Matthew 6:33

Acts 3 begins with the story of a man who had been lame from birth that spent his days at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms(money). Hundreds of Jews passed through this gate daily, making it a strategic spot for begging.

Seeing Peter andJohn -he asked for what he WANTED not realizing he was about to get what he NEEDED - which was healing! When Peter and John encountered him, they didn’t have money, but instead, Peter healed the man’s feet and ankles in Jesus’ name.

This man had been in this condition from birth according to the scriptures......and In spite of his condition - the scriptures show he clearly focused on his WANTS even though he had a Need....which we all tend to do.

The illustration outlined in the scripture reminds us that healing doesn’t always appear in the form we expect; it can be physical, emotional, psychological, or spiritual– no matter what we think – God knows BEST! When God meets our needs, he may not give us what we ask for but he does provide will ALWAYS be greater than what you want!!!

We all have things that we want. Some (if not all of us) have put petitions before God about these wants! We ask for the nice car, fancy house, a fine man/woman, the big title or position at work, some pursue a “position” in the church and some even want a congregation so large the building can’t hold it!

As with the lame man -we are persistent and consistent in pursuing these wants.. At times - we can even find ourselves frustrated because they aren’t happening in the time we set on our vision boards - LOL....

Then we find ourselves falling into the..... “I’ve been praying for these things for a long time, Lord. I don’t understand why the delay. Why is it happening for everyone else? What about me? Lord, I want it! Lord, it’s happening to everybody on Facebook!!!! I want it now!!!! We also teeter back and forth with I want it, but, I want the Lord’s will to be done.

We are in a time when God is trying to let us know -----Truth of the matter is -----some of us have been stuck with certain “conditions” for a long time and bear similar characterstics/behaviors of the lame man and no matter how much we read the Bible, quote the scriptures and say we are standing on His promises.......we continue to forget that spiritual focus is what WILL transform our circumstances JUST LIKE THE LAME MAN.... How so???? Let me explain......

While we looking around and taking inventory of our wish list

HE SAID

The car and the house: You want it but if I give it to you - you will boast about what YOU did and forget that I made the way.....because there’s some pride hidden on the inside.

The Man/Woman you want: You not ready yet because I know (even know you deny it - you have hurt you haven’t gotten over from the last relationship ....because there’s some hidden residue of unforgiveness, anger, and bitterness that I need to heal…in addition - I need to deliver you from some soul ties! I need you to fall in love with ME FIRST....then, I can show you how to love somebody else.

The position at work: On paper you qualify - but I need to fine tune the fruit of your spirit. I don’t want you to bleed all over people in the workplace because of your lack of emotional maturity.

The “position/title” or large congregation at church - I need to cleanse you of the hidden behaviors, motives and agendas that are not pleasing in my sight so when it’s time for elevation or increase - you don’t become a stumbling block for the people operate with a pure heart. See, I need u to speak both hope to my people AND extend practical help....you can’t do that in your current state! MY WORD SAYS IF I BE LIFTED UP - I’LL DO THE DRAWING SO LET ME GIVE YOU WHAT YOU NEED BY PUTTING YOUR FOCUS ON ME!

Matthew 6:33 says - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well!

That means - stop asking for what you want and begin to ask God what is it that I need?????? Lord, I know I have a condition - some I know and some that I don’t....but because of who you are - you KNOW!!!!! My desire today is to please you…trust you and surrender to you so I can be just like the lame man!

Verse 16 of the text in Acts reads:

By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. KEY NOTE HERE::it was by accepting spiritual helpthat his external need was addressed!! Pay close attention to the story - note that regularly hanging out in the vicinity of the temple gate never changed the man! Only an encounter with the authority of the risen Christ would do that! And, if it worked back then - it will work today!

God will take your condition - those that were put on public display and those hidden and give you what you need which is complete healing! So much so that people who saw u in the before condition .....will watch your tranformation....remember what once was and know without a shadow of a doubt that GOD DID IT and your story will transform into a TESTIMONY....that can cause thousands to want to know about the GOD you serve just like it unfolded in this story!