His Desire to Supply Your Every Need

Gary Wilkerson

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Getting what we want isn’t a common topic among many Jesus followers, but in reality, it has everything to do with God’s character and how we perceive him. Many of us approach the Father as if he only hears prayers for “spiritual” things. But Paul says God’s care covers every aspect of our lives: he will supply your every need.

Paul adds this: “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20, my emphasis). In short, God is interested in much more than meeting our needs. When Paul uses the words “ask or think,” he’s referring to our wants and desires. Moreover, Paul says God wants more than to grant our desires — he wants to exceed them. So, if we pray to have our cup filled, God wants to make it overflow. You see, praying our desires isn’t just about us and our needs. It’s about knowing a good, loving Father who delights to give generously.

Many of our desires originate with God. Part of his ongoing work of sanctifying us as we walk with him is a desire to want good things that he plants within us. Like any loving parent, God wants our heart to align with his, so we’ll be blessed.

Certain seasons in life are a struggle, yet God uses those times to place a discontent in our hearts, a hunger to see his abundant goodness. Sometimes these seasons last longer than we like, and we learn to trust Jesus through them. Yet, even those seasons are meant for good. 

If you’re in a difficult season, I encourage you to do these three things:

(1)  Eliminate all selfish wants. Seek the Lord for his will.

(2)  Illuminate all good, pure desires. Identify clearly what you desire and then tell it to God.

(3)  Activate your desires — don’t just sit on them, take action toward them.

God wants more for you than you want for yourself. It’s time to set aside shame and fear and bring all your desires before the Father. In so doing, watch him demonstrate his extravagant love to you!