We Are Needy

The beauty of the gospel is that God did not leave us alone in our need.

by: Wally Jenkins, Athletic Director

Perimeter Athletics Mission: To assist in training students to glorify God through selfless competition, training, teamwork, and teachability

The mission of our school’s athletics program is ambitious. It sounds great on paper, it is a worthwhile endeavor, and it is even better when seen played out in the lives of our school community. But the work and practicality of seeing it come to fruition is a challenging, uphill battle that sometimes seems unattainable. Some of you reading this will probably think that those words are an unfair criticism, while others may read that evaluation and have specific moments that come to mind from your own personal experience.

As I reflect on this school year, I am proud of the programs that we have provided to our students. I have seen students grow in confidence, not only athletically, but also socially and spiritually. I have seen new friendships form and old friendships deepen. I have seen hard work, unquestioned growth, inspiring performances, and the selfless actions of many bless the community around them.

At the same time, I see many ways that we fall short of the ambitious mission in front of us. And in those failures, I slide into a place that I don’t like to be … needy.

WE ARE NEEDY

If you are anything like me, the idea of being in need is not an enjoyable thought. Doubt, fear, and anxiety all start to take their places as strongholds in my life. I like to have a plan, and I like to be in control. And most days, I think that my plans will equal success and prosperity. And I enjoy success and prosperity much more than being in a place of need.

Earlier this year, I was having breakfast with a good friend and sharing with him all of the ways that I was currently overwhelmed. As I rambled through what felt like disappointment in every single phase of my life, he delivered a message that I needed to hear … “At least you aren’t fooling yourself anymore.”

I paused and waited to see where he was going. “It’s easy for you to see it now with everything you just shared, but the truth is that I’m there too. Everyone is there. It is the truth of the gospel, but we just don’t like to live in that reality.”

I wish it didn’t take disappointment, hardship, or failure to send me to the place of need, but often it does. And while it is not an enjoyable place to be, it is the place I NEED to be. I don’t need to trick myself into depending on myself to just “pull myself up by my bootstraps” and “work harder.” I need to wake up each day and depend on God through whatever the day holds.

The apostle Paul sets this truth up well in his message to the Philippians. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (4:12-13)

The beauty of the gospel is that God did not leave us alone in our need.

The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus give us what we could not give ourselves. They give us direct access to God who meets our every need.

As I have wrestled through this year and my feelings of need, I would love to share with you three practical tips/truths to depend on God:

1. Be honest with God and with yourself -  It may feel like suppressing our needs, failures, and disappointments will make them go away. And maybe some of them will go away with time. But intimacy with God and the power He has to provide are more fulfilling than any circumstantial change that this life can offer.
   

2. Vulnerability allows growth - Vulnerability is a two-way street. It allows others to help you, and it allows you to create a space where being known is valued by others. God has given us people to help us in our place of need.
   

3. Hope does not disappoint - Our need is a reminder that we are living in the “already, but not yet.” God will one day again dwell with His people, and He will make all things new.

“Lord, I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You’re the One that guides my heart 

Lord, I need you, oh, I need you
Every hour I need you
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need you”