Receive | What You Need

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Desperate to be a ‘big’ girl, my then three-year-old little lady reached for a suitcase on the baggage carousel. She was so sure she could lift it off herself. Her hands were already stretching out, eyes full of determination.

But we didn’t let her. We’re not ogres, we knew it would hurt her.

Still, she protested. She wriggled, frowned, and pushed against the help offered to her, shaking her head and saying, “I do it!”

It was both comical and convicting. I saw myself in her. How often do I insist on carrying things that aren’t mine to lift? How often do I resist God’s help—convinced I’ve got it covered, even when I’m way out of my depth?

But the truth is, my lovely girl didn’t have it covered, she couldn’t carry it all. And neither can I.

The good news is, we have a Father who is not distant or indifferent to our struggles. He’s not watching from the sidelines waiting for us to figure it out. He’s deeply present in our needs. He is a Giver. A Provider. He doesn’t wait for us to crash and burn before stepping in. He moves first. He sees what we can’t. He carries what we were never meant to bear.

God Doesn’t Give Sparingly

You know something we need to remind ourselves of?

God is not stingy with strength.
Not cautious with comfort.
Not frugal with grace.

When Elijah was exhausted and despairing under the broom tree, God didn’t scold him for being weak. He sent an angel with food and rest. (1 Kings 19)

Sometimes what we need most is not a miracle—but a meal and a nap (can I get an amen?).
Other times, it’s courage. Wisdom. Patience. Provision.
He knows. He gives.

“Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” (Matthew 6:8)

Why We Don’t Receive

For many of us, receiving doesn’t come naturally. We’re far more accustomed to striving—doing, fixing, proving. Somewhere along the way, we learned that to survive, we must hustle. To be loved, we must earn. To grow, we must push. So when it comes to grace, we find ourselves unsure how to respond. Rest feels suspicious. Gifts feel undeserved. Receiving feels foreign.

And even if we believe God is good, we sometimes assume His goodness is mostly reserved for others. The strong ones. The disciplined ones. The ones with less baggage. We might nod along when someone says, “God provides,” but deep down we wonder if His provision will ever stretch as far as us.

But Scripture tells a different story.

• “He gives strength to the weary.” (Isaiah 40:29) Not just the capable or consistent—the weary.

• “If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God… and it will be given.” (James 1:5) There’s no lecture, just a generous response.

• “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts…” (Philippians 4:7) Even when nothing makes sense. Even when the storm is still raging.

This is what God is like. A Giver by nature. A Father who doesn’t ration out love or keep His best for last. All of heaven’s supply is already available to us in Christ. He doesn’t run dry. He isn’t limited by your budget, your strength, or your circumstance.

You don’t have to twist His arm to care.
You don’t have to earn His favour to be seen.
You only have to open your hands.

A Reminder from Jesus

“Give us this day our daily bread,” is not a line to rush past it’s a rhythm to live by.

• Daily receiving.

• Daily depending.

• Daily trusting He knows exactly what you need.

Again and again.

A Prayer to Receive What You Need

Father, You know me better than I know myself.
You see the needs I speak out loud and the ones I hide.
Today, I come with open hands and an honest heart.
I receive what You have for me—grace, wisdom, strength, provision—
trusting You to meet every need in Your perfect way. Amen.

What are you trying to carry on your own?
What would it look like to let God meet that need today?

Next week, we shift from receiving to revering—not just what God gives, but who He is. Until then, may your hands stay open and your heart stay soft.

With love and daily bread,
Em