Already Have What Is Needed?

At the orientation for my new position I was given a dress code for the required attire. I would need black pants and a white shirt with a collar and sleeves. The black pants should be no problem, but the only white, collared shirt in my closet that I could think of was sleeveless. With only one day before an early morning start time, I felt a little bit of pressure to shop for the appropriate shirt. Finding this style shirt would not be too difficult. It’s a fairly common style. I just did not know how much I would have to pay since I did not have the luxury of time to look for a sale.

The following morning (shopping day) I went to the closet to gather hangers to hang up clothes after washing laundry. As I searched my clothing rack for empty hangers, I saw the sleeveless, white, button-down shirt that would not work for my uniform. Next to it was hanging another shirt that I had forgotten I had. It was a white, polo style shirt with short sleeves. It fit the requirements for my uniform perfectly. Here I had the shirt that I needed, but did not remember that it was there. The shirt is a little big because I had bought it before I lost weight. The side seams will need to be taken in a little and then it will be perfect for opening day.

Do we ever contemplate the items that are in our spiritual closet? Experiences from the past and lessons learned long ago may be hanging there, long forgotten. Right there beside the well-used Scriptures and past lessons learned may be a long forgotten experience that provides exactly what is needed at the present moment.

God does not waste anything that happens in our lives. Whether good or bad, He will blend them together to provide all that is necessary for us. “We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.”  (Romans 8:28 AMP) As He blends together the lessons of our past, He increases a personal knowledge of Himself and provides what we need. “For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).” (2 Peter 1:3 AMP) We need to constantly keep aware of this truth.

What is a hidden part of life may be a key to the next phase of our walk with God. Even those painful memories that we have chosen to forget, may suddenly become just what you need to help another. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement), Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 AMP)

 Just as different jobs require different clothing, different areas of ministry will also have various backgrounds. The apostle Paul comments on this. “And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers. His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ's body (the church)” (Ephesians 4:11-12 AMP) Each different ministry gift is given to build up believers to perform the work of God.

As God directs us to step out, we will have what we need to begin work. As we continue on, everything will be provided as needed. We are to look for this additional provision. I went shopping to find additional clothing to wear as I begin to work on a daily basis. Knowledge, experience and gifts will continue to come to us as needed in our work for the Lord. “And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.” (Philippians 1:6 AMP) We will always have an adequate supply. “And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 AMP)

 As he neared the closing of his letter, the writer to the Hebrews conveyed this blessing. “Now may the God of peace [Who is the Author and the Giver of peace], Who brought again from among the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood [that sealed, ratified] the everlasting agreement (covenant, testament), Strengthen (complete, perfect) and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (the Messiah); to Whom be the glory forever and ever (to the ages of the ages). Amen (so be it).” (Hebrews 13:20-21 AMP) Like him, we can be confident that we will be equipped with all that we need for the task ahead of us.

 Do not worry that you may not have what you need to begin the work of God. Take another look at the closet of your life and allow God to show you provision that is hanging there.