As long as we insist on associating faith in God with persuading God to do things for us, it is as if we are trying to make our way through life in the dark. When I stumble around in the dark, so to speak, all that comes out of my mouth is, “God! I need …! I need …!” If I'm hungry it's, “God, I need some food!” as I search about for something to eat—hoping I'll grab human food instead of dog food. If I need to get out of a storm it's, “God, I need some shelter!” as I run around looking for someplace dry—hoping I'll find a place of safety instead of a place of danger.
Stumbling around in the dark, bouncing from one circumstance to another, crying out to God, “I need …! I need …!” is not faith. Faith is turning on the light switch, so I can see what is true and what is not true. Faith is seeing what surrounds me in the light of truth.
And the truth is that God knows what I need.
“If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:28–32 NKJV)
“And your Father knows that you need these things,” is one of the most