. . . you may be partakers of the divine nature . . . —2 Peter 1:4
It is ridiculous for anyone in this country to complain about a lack of provision or to feel needy. The least of us are rich when compared with almost everyone else in the word. Further, as Children of God our provision is unlimited. One of our problems is our vision and circles are so narrow. When we compare our circumstances with the owner of the nearest mansion, we feel deprived. We don’t live in that mansion nor are we aware of the misery and lack that might reside therein. I grew up in a financially poor family. My folks had nine children. We didn’t own a car until after I graduated from high school. Yet my memories of my childhood are rich. At Christmas, I remember how grateful we were for the one present we got to pick from the Sears catalog. Our parents raised successful children who, in general, love and serve God and who grew up to be good parents to their children.
We talk as if our heavenly Father has cut us off without a penny! We think it is a sign of true humility to say at the end of the day, “Well, I just barely got by today, but it was a severe struggle.” And yet all of Almighty God is ours in the Lord Jesus! And He will reach to the last grain of sand and the remotest star to bless us if we will only obey Him. Does it really matter that our circumstances are difficult? Why shouldn’t they be! If we give way to self-pity and indulge in the luxury of misery, we remove God’s riches from our lives and hinder others from entering into His provision. No sin is worse than the sin of self-pity, because it removes God from the throne of our lives, replacing Him with our own self-interests. It causes us to open our mouths only to complain, and we simply become spiritual sponges— always absorbing, never giving, and never being satisfied. And there is nothing lovely or generous about our lives.
Before God becomes satisfied with us, He will take everything of our so-called wealth, until we learn that He is our Source; as the psalmist said, “All my springs are in You” (Psalm 87:7 ). If the majesty, grace, and power of God are not being exhibited in us, God holds us responsible. “God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you . . . may have an abundance . . .” ( 2 Corinthians 9:8 )— then learn to lavish the grace of God on others, generously giving of yourself. Be marked and identified with God’s nature, and His blessing will flow through you all the time.
Nick
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