Session 5

God doesn’t need a thing

From Chasing Purpose: A 27-Day Devotional

We like to be needed. From time to time, church leaders might even say, “We need you to serve.”

There is some truth to that statement. Kids don’t get to hear Jesus on their level if adults aren’t willing to serve. But a more accurate statement might be, “We get to serve,” because ultimately, God does not need our service.

Wouldn’t it be something if the Creator of the universe needed us? That might diminish His reputation a bit. Even if God got hungry or sleepy, do you think He would ask us for food or a place to rest? That would be like a parent asking their toddler for gas money. If you try to list God’s accomplishments that are dependent on human intervention, you’ll end up with a blank sheet.

Psalm 115:3 says, “Our God is in heaven, He does whatever pleases Him.” God does not need anything from anyone. He doesn’t need us, but He chooses to work in and through us to accomplish His plans and purposes. We get to serve Him, and when we do, we see Him accomplish great things.

Have you ever heard the phrase “the joy is in the journey”? That’s an apt description of how it feels to serve God. It’s less about the task itself and more about what happens in us as we serve.

We draw near to God as we realize how much we need His help. We experience His power in ways we wouldn’t if we never got out of our comfort zone. We learn about His character as we see Him respond in different situations and show up on our behalf.

In our weakness, others see God as big and powerful as He really is. The same way that we let kids “help” us cook and clean, God chooses to work out His plans and purposes through frail, fallible human beings for the intimacy it brings. We get Him, and He gets the glory.

Reflect:

• What’s one thing you’ve learned about God through serving? How has getting involved in church expanded your view of God?
  
• Serving always does as much for us as the people we serve. What are some blessings that have come from serving? Take a few minutes to thank God for those opportunities, people, or experiences today.