Why Are Our Needs Not Met?

Why Are Our Needs Not Met?
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Prodigal's Brother

How often do we hear the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15, but rarely hear about his older brother. Of the two sons, the older brother who remained at home was by far the worst of the two brothers. He was critical and judgmental of his younger brother who had left home and spent all of his inheritance on wild living. The prodigal was at least repentant for his sins but the older brother who remained at home was condescending toward his returning brother and would not repent. When the older son asked his father why he had never been given a party in his honor or been given as many gifts as his younger brother, his father made an amazing statement. The father responded "Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine." (Luke 15:31) The son assumed that since the house was always filled with gifts, his father would have given them to him. The son did not think to ask.

We Are Surrounded by Blessings

Everything needed for life and godliness has already been given to us by the work of the cross. The blood of Jesus has been shed and remission of sins has been given. The stripes of Jesus have already been given to us and healing and natural blessings are surrounding us at this very moment. There is not one need you can have, spiritual or physical, which has not been met by the work of Jesus on the cross. We could almost be compared to a child in a candy store!

So Why Are Our Needs Not Met?

Knowing everything has been given may bring comfort to our hearts, but it still does not bring the meeting of our needs. Just because we are surrounded with blessings from God does not mean they will jump on us. Neither because God has made everything available, will He give them without our asking. Although the Father knows what we have need of before we ask, He has still told us to ask. Jesus told us, "whatever you ask in my name, that will I do." We are to "ask and receive" that our "joy may be full." James declares, "you have not because you ask not." Think about this. You had to "call upon the name of the Lord" to be saved. Salvation was yours for the asking. God would no more force His will on a Christian for healing, financial prosperity or the desires of our heart simply because these blessings are available, than He would force His will on a sinner just because the gift of salvation is present and available. God has given everything as a gift to be received. But we receive by asking in faith.

If there is anything we can learn from the prodigal, it is this one important lesson, let us ask God for the desires of our heart!

Bob Yandian