Week 32
Need
You do not have, because you do not ask God.
James 4:2b
Present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6b
One Sunday, I went to my Sunday school class carrying books, a computer, a projector, plates, cups, and snacks. My students were nearby but no one offered to help carry my loads. I later complained to my older Karen friends, “These kids growing up in America have no consideration or manners.” They agreed with me. The same thing happened for a few following Sundays. I then complained to a non-Karen friend. He simply told me, “Why don’t you ask them to help you?” So, the next Sunday, I said to these kids, “Can you help me?” They all came and helped me. I then expressed my appreciation to them and requested them to help me every Sunday. Since then, my problem of having to carry heavy loads on my own on Sundays ceased to exist. Often, when our needs are not met, we want people to read our mind. We like to complain and sulk instead of simply expressing our needs in a healthy way. The scriptures we read encourage us to present our needs to God. The same principle applies in our relationship with others. Communicating our valid needs is key to strengthening relationships.
Dear God, please teach us to identify our needs and present them to You and others respectfully.
We pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.