When Jack Wanted More

After Jack’s mid-morning walk he gets three apple crunchy treats. The treat is no bigger than my thumb nail but each one is important to Jack. I took note of that when, after our walk two days ago, there were only two treats left in the bag. “Here you are Jack,” I happily said, “Sit.” He crunched one, then two, then stared blankly. I explained we’re out of treats and I’ll get some for tomorrow. I went to the bathroom. Jack came, too. I went to make a cup of coffee. Jack was there. I sat down and opened my laptop. Jack’s eyes appeared peeking above the edge of the table. Jack knew he should have three treats and he wasn’t going to give up. Finally, I went to the kitchen, sliced off a small chunk of cheese and gave it to Jack. Satisfied, he went to curl up for a comfy morning nap, his stomach content.

Remember the story Jesus told in Luke 11 of the man who had no bread to serve a visitor to his home? He went to his neighbor to borrow bread but the neighbor was already in bed. The man in need pleaded until the neighbor finally got up to give him what he needed. Jesus wasn’t teaching us that God likes for us to beg as we squirm in need; rather, He was giving an illustration of persistence in our prayers. When we are in need, Jesus wants us to trust that our every need will be met by our Heavenly Father, and all in perfect timing. We have an instant mentality. When we want something, we want it now. However, when we are waiting in His presence, telling Him of our needs, we are basking in His love, learning to trust more in His ways, believing Him to perfectly meet our needs in His time because He makes no mistakes. Continued asking, presenting our needs, waiting before Him, is a precious time between Father and one of His children.

Our Father is overjoyed to meet our needs, and He is our everything to get us through anything. Jesus said in that same chapter of Luke 11 in verse 13, If you sinful children know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (NLT). Jesus is using physical needs to emphasize spiritual needs. When we are weary and come before our Father, pleading for strength and help, the Holy Spirit within us will comfort and strengthen us. He will guide us and deliver us from fear of the unknown. He will wrap us in love. Whatever be your need today, remember what Jesus said above, How much more will your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.

When we are afraid we may ask Father’s help, waiting before Him until we are clothed in courage, strength, and direction. What we need will be met, just keep talking to the Lord, waiting before Him, allowing trust to grow in sweetness, basking in the beauty of His presence. Then, like Jack, curl up contently for a nap. Sleep well in knowing, — your Father will meet your needs.