Everything We Need

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3 

Since 2010 I have been teaching step-by-step painting classes for people who have no experience with painting.  All you do is grab a friend, make a reservation, and show up.  At the end of the two- hour class you go home with your own masterpiece.  You don’t have to bring any supplies, everything you need to create your painting is furnished. Some students come in a bit apprehensive because they’ve never done anything like this before. They’ve never painted a picture, but they’ve always wanted to try. Perhaps they have never tried because of the daunting task of collecting all the supplies that they would need.  Being equipped with everything you need is somewhat empowering, both in a painting class and in life.

Unfortunately, I don’t always feel so empowered, in fact, I often struggle to believe I have what it takes to be the woman God has called me to be. Much of the time I feel as if I’m missing a lot of the tools needed to build that godly life He wants me to live.  Tools like patience (that’s a biggie), perseverance, self-discipline (sometimes nonexistent), wisdom, boldness, and the list goes on.  I have good intentions, but… I sometimes feel overwhelmed.  Do you?

 “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

He has made available to us all that we need spiritually through our knowledge of Him by His glory and goodness.  Glory expresses the excellence of His being—His attributes and essence.  Goodness, on the other hand, is His excellence expressed in His deeds—virtue in action.  God gives us everything we need because God gives us Himself in the person of Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul wrote almost the same thing to the church at Philippi.

“My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”     Philippians 4:19

According to Colossians 2:10, those who follow Christ are complete in Him.  You have the Holy Spirit of God living in you and that’s enough even when we feel like we’re not enough.
So, when you lack wisdom, ask Him for it; when you’re running on empty, rest in Him and allow Him to strengthen you; when you need patience, joy, love, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, allow the Holy Spirit to grow that fruit in your life.  It won’t happen overnight.  It takes time for fruit to take shape and grow, but grow it will, and since those God calls, He also enables, you are fully supplied to be all He has called you to be.      And so am I, so let’s get to it!