“Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.” – Psa. 38:9
We talk a lot about a lack of ability, lack of opportunities, and unfavorable circumstances, but we need to think more about the importance of desire. A strong desire can make up for the lack of a lot of things. There is some truth to the old saying, “Where there is a will there is a way”. Have you ever been desperate? I’m talking about a longing, strong desire, overwhelming hunger, etc. What was it – an illness, domestic problem, financial crisis, or something else? Do you ever feel that way in regards to spiritual things? Are you desperate for God and what He can do? Do you have a desperate desire to know Him better, love Him more, serve Him greater, or receive more from Him? Do you sense the need and have a hunger for God to do something impossible, supernatural, extraordinary, unimaginable? Or are you stuck in a rut and content being there?
The Bible gives us several examples of people who had such great desire — Rachel said, “ Give me children or else I die” ( Gen.30:1); Jacob said, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” ( Ge. 32:26); Caleb said, “ give me this mountain” (Josh. 14:12) ); the widow of which Jesus spoke in Luke 18 would not cease asking until her need was met. The question is, “How desperate are you?” Is there a genuine need, a noble cause, or a serious situation that concerns you? Can you, as the song says, honestly say, “Whatever it takes”? Are you desperate enough to do whatever God requires? Are you truly willing for God’s will to be done even if it causes you discomfort, pain and loss?
Sadly most people are cursed with complacency, afflicted with apathy, and plagued by passivity. They not only deprive themselves, they deceive others. They leave the impression that God is dead, sick, unconcerned, or unavailable. Most of all, they disappoint God. He wants far more for us than what we settle for. Let’s not limit the “Holy One of Israel” ( Psa. 78:41). God help us to have a “Whatever it takes” attitude! That’s what it takes to meet the demands of discipleship. – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
