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Everything I Need


 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (II Peter 1:3-4)


          I’m struggling with some issues right now. I’m handling my knee problems well, I think, but I’m uncomfortable with the quality of my quiet times, my weight keeps spiraling up and my expenses are exceeding my income. Those things bother me and they are at least partly issues of self-control. It seems to me that to the extent that my knee problems are bothering me, they are also an issue of self-control.
          Today’s passage suggests that my real problem isn’t a lack of self-control. It’s a problem with lack of knowledge of Him…. It is our knowledge of Him that provides what we need for life and godliness. It is through our knowledge of Him that we participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. Escaping those things is what we need for life and godliness.
           I’ve been telling people that my knee problems are part of how God has been providing me with direction this summer. He keeps telling me “Not that way.” What I need is not a summer job. It’s not to go out birding or taking pictures, as much as I enjoy those. What I need is to know Him better. These things that are problems in my life, they are nothing more than opportunities to get to know Him better. Instead of seeking solutions, I need to seek Him.
           The adventure of the summer is beginning. God seems to be saying “That way!” Knowing Him. Participating in His divine nature. His promises. I’m back to Abram leaving his home and going where he did not know. It’s a good feeling, but it’s also intimidating.

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