How Big Are Your Needs

There were times when I wondered how I was ever going to get through “it.”  Between jobs, between financial crises, and just general hardships of life. Where in the world was the money going to come from? So, how big are your needs?

I had to make sense (not cents) of it in my head. If not, how was it ever going to work?  I was going to figure this out.

Philippians 4:19

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

When We Feel the Need to Figure It Out

You’ve heard the story of the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years after being freed from Egypt.

But have you ever stopped to think about what that actually required?

If Moses had tried to figure it all out, how to feed, water, and lead over two million people through the wilderness, it would have seemed impossible.

What if Moses had tried to figure out all that was needed to accomplish God’s command? It would have been daunting. They had to be fed, and feeding two and a half million people would require a lot of food.

What if we tried to calculate it? According to the Quartermaster General in the army, it is reported that Moses would have had 4500 tons of food each day. Did you know that? To bring that amount of food each day, a train ¾ of a mile long would have been required. Over 40 years, that’s 14,600 trains.

In addition, you must remember, they were in the desert. They had to have firewood for cooking.

This would take at least five thousand tons of wood. For one day alone, ti would require a mile-long train to deliver it. And just think, they were there for forty years in transit. Oh yes, they would need water, too. If they only had enough to drink and wash a few dishes, it would take 9.9 million gallons each day. And a freight train with tank cars up to 4 miles long just to bring water. Again, that is each and every day for 40 years.

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

When the Numbers Don’t Add Up

And then there’s the Red Sea.

If the people crossed two by two, the line would stretch for hundreds of miles. It would take days, not one night.

Which means the path God made wasn’t just a way through.
It was a way wide enough for everyone.  Maybe up to 2000 shoulder-to-shoulder.

If they walked through up to ¾’s of a mile wide shoulder to shoulder, they would be able to cross the Red Sea in 8 hours.  I never personally imagined that.  I thought more in line with the narrow passage scenario.

And then there were the “overnight” accommodations.

Exodus 14:14

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

God Was Never Limited by the Math

Do you think Moses figured all of that out before he left?
I don’t think so. And maybe that’s the point.

Because I’ve spent a lot of time trying to “figure it out” before I move forward.
Trying to make sense of things before I trust God with them.

What If It’s Not About Figuring It Out?

But what if the breakthrough isn’t in figuring it out,
but in following Him anyway?

The same God who provided in the desert.
He made a way through the sea.
And He sustained His people for 40 years.

is the same God we’re trusting today.

So maybe the question isn’t,
“How is this going to work?”

but instead,
“God, what are you asking me to do next?”

I John  4:18

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.

I think it’s all about formation – becoming closer to Him. Perfect love and trust in Him.

Challenge of the Week

Take time this week to write down one belief or fear that has been shaping your decisions. Pick one especially rooted in “what you’ve always known.” Ask yourself:

• Is this actually true?
• Or is this something I’ve never questioned?

Then surrender it to God and invite Him to renew your thinking in that area. So be it.