Filling in the Gaps - Martin Wiles

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NLT

Whether shopping or working, I had a bird’s eye view of them. 

Greenbax stamps in paper form were a staple at Piggly Wiggly grocery stores. I began working with Piggly Wiggly at 14 years of age as a bagboy and was well familiar with these jewels. Since my grandparents and parents were regular customers, I could find an abundance of stamps lying around at any given time. 

Young boys have needs—or so they suppose. Though I earned money through allowance, helping my grandfather on the ice cream truck, and—when I was old enough, by getting a part-time job, my needs seemed to outpace my means to supply them. Since my parents didn’t consider my perceived wants as needs, I depended on Greenbax stamps to fill the gaps. I carefully licked each one and attached them to the supplied books. Perusing through the catalogue, I identified how many books I needed to secure my need. When I had accumulated the correct amount, I quickly made my way to the local store to retrieve my prize. 

Life often yields gaps between wants and needs, but Greenbax stamps can’t fill them. God is the only one who can consistently and fully meet every need I have. Failure to understand the difference between wants and needs can lead to a “You owe me” attitude. My mental picture of God can easily develop into that of a genie in the sky whose responsibility is to deliver everything I want. I can develop the same attitude toward others I’m in a relationship with and even toward other entities—such as government services. 

Needs are those things I must have to live and accomplish God’s will. Anything beyond these are wants that God may or may not supply. Depending on him to meet my needs lessens the likelihood I’ll lean on anything or anyone else to fill the gaps…Greenbax included. Who or what are you depending on to fill your gaps?

Prayer: God of all glory, compassion, and wealth, we trust You to supply every need we have. 
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and SDRandCo.)

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