What You Want or What You Need?

So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!”

Acts 3:4-5

The first time I was confronted with the fact that my needs and my wants are often in disagreement was during my secondary school Economics class. I was told that there weren’t enough resources to satisfy all my wants so I must prioritise my needs. The problem is, however, that what I need often conflicts with what I want.

In Acts 3:3-8, there is a story of a crippled man begging for alms at the temple’s Beautiful Gate. His eyes were fixed on Peter and John, anticipating a monetary donation to sustain him through another day of hardship. Little did he know that he was about to receive far more than he could have imagined.

As Peter and John approached, they challenged the man’s expectations by urging him to look at them. They knew that his real need extended beyond mere material provision; what he truly needed was a miraculous touch from God. With unwavering faith, they declared, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6).

In that moment, the crippled man’s life was transformed in ways he never thought possible. He received not only physical healing but also the opportunity to experience the boundless power and love of God. What began as a simple request for alms turned into a miraculous encounter with the living God.

This powerful story holds a profound lesson for us today. Like the crippled man, we often find ourselves settling for less than God’s best in our lives. We may approach Him with limited expectations, seeking only temporary relief from our troubles or tangible blessings to meet our immediate needs.

However, God desires to bless us abundantly beyond what we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). He longs to pour out His blessings upon us, not just in material provision, but in every area of our lives—spiritual, emotional, and relational. Yet, our low expectations often hinder us from experiencing the fullness of God’s goodness.

Instead of settling for mediocrity or temporal solutions, let us approach God with boldness and faith, expecting Him to move mightily in our lives. Let us seek not just for things, but for the right things—the things that align with God’s perfect will and bring glory to His name.

PRAYER