The problem with the Prosperity Gospel and the Word of Faith Movement is that they often take verses or phrases out of context and create some wacked out teaching. As I was reading this passage in Philippians again this morning, I thought… this one phrase, “Tell God what you need,” can easily be taken out of context. The proponents of the Prosperity Gospel and the Word of Faith Movement would say… Tell God what you need. Do you need a bigger house (to serve Christ) then ask Him for it. Do you need a better car, then ask for it. Do you need more money, then ask God for it. Do you need deliverance from this illness, then ask God for it. I mean… God wants to bless us, right? And He says to ask, so do it and watch God come to your rescue.
Now hear me… it’s okay to pray for deliverance, for healing, and for God’s favor. But the context of this phrase in Philippians chapter 4 (most specifically, Philippians 4:6-9), Paul is talking to the people about their worries. They were living in a time hostile to the gospel. A time of great Christian persecution. And they must have been very worried. So, Paul tells them to pray instead. To be thankful instead. To get their thoughts in the right place. And… to tell God what they need. In other words, do you need strength, courage, assurance, peace, or joy? If you do, then just tell God. Oh Lord, I’m struggling here. I’m desperate for divine strength and courage to overcome the pressures of the world. Lord, please help me to rest in Your peace today.
As I thought about this, I put together my own list… things I’m going to be asking for. Before the list was formed, though, I had to think about what’s most important in my life. Is it comfort? Good health? Stamina? Family? Growing my ministry? Now, all these things are important to me, but the MOST important thing is the Kingdom of God… continuing God’s work on this earth. So, this is what I’m praying for…
More boldness! Lord, if I could have just a smidgen of boldness like Charlie Kirk. Or just a little bit of boldness like Paul and the 1st Century Christians had. Lord, would you take away the fear of rejection and replace it with boldness? Let boldness accompany me today.
Greater patience! Lord, I need patience today with my husband, my kids, my struggles. I need patience to wait on You to move. I need patience with my hard-to-reach neighbor, my difficult sibling, my rebellious prodigal. I need patience to keep going and not give up.
Deeper compassion! Lord, I need deep sympathy and sorrow for those with misfortunes. Compassion like You showed the beggar, the crippled, the poor. I need to reach out to them, put my hand on their shoulders and show them the love of Christ. I ask You, Lord, to help me help them. Lord, let me be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Clearer eyes! Oh Lord, I ask that You would give me Your eyes… eyes to see the brokenness, the pain, the dysfunctional heart of those I come in contact with. Let me see the emptiness in the ones who walk through the doors of my church on Sunday morning, the hairstylist, the cashier, the Facebook friend, the one who just wants to argue. Lord, please give me Your eyes to see and wisdom to help them and to speak truth into them.
Let me encourage you today to write your own list. What do you REALLY need from God today? Don’t be afraid to ask Him.