Even more than we could hope for, continued

We're studying in II Peter this week, on these verses in chapter 1:

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

God has truly given to us far more than we could hope for. Just as king David gave Mephibosheth more than he had hoped for, when David called him to the palace.

Let's dig into verse three; it says "has given us everything we need." As believers, we have received countless blessings. We spent time in Psalm 103 counting them! Often we lose sight of just how blessed we really are. One way to avoid that complacency, and that "taking it for granted," is to spend time in God's Word.
Where do these blessings come from? Peter tells us -- God's divine power. He is the source of all the good things (and the things that we can't quite see as good) in our lives.
Have you ever taken a small child to the mall? Their eyes get so big, as they look at the ice cream dots in the courtyard, at the fudge and lollipops in the candy store, and even the electronics store is a place that elicits the same response: "Can I have that?" Now, it's not that they really need anything. They even ate a nutritious lunch before leaving for the mall.... and we know that if we give in, they'll end up with too many calories, too much sugar, too little appetite for supper (or in the case of the electronics store, too many hours spent in front of a screen).  So, since we know it's better that they don't have those things, we say "no." And that is the case of our Father God, too. Sometimes He doesn't give us everything that we ask for, because He knows what is best for us. He might even withhold something because He is protecting us. But we can rest assured that He will provide us with everything that we need.
God's power is limitless - He will provide.

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.  (Colossians 1:16)

His resources are not limited - He will graciously give us what we need.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

Jesus told us:

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Luke 11:9)

That doesn't mean that God will give us anything that we want. We can't approach Him in a way that treats Him like a genie. If we are in a right relationship with Him, we're not going to be asking Him for a million dollars, a house on the lake, and a new car. (Grin) God certainly has the power to make all of that happen. But God also has the discernment to know what we need, what we can handle, what is best for us, and what ultimately will bring Him glory.
In verse three, Peter tells us that God has provided everything we need in order to live a holy life. He wouldn't tell us to do it, if it were not possible -- and He did tell us in Leviticus, and Peter updated it for the New Testament church:

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy." (I Peter 1:15-16)

Is one of the desires of our hearts the desire to be holy? To walk with God daily, and to grow each day? To mature spiritually, and to be led by the Spirit? To bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ?

Around our place, we have a saying, "Use the right tool for the job, and put it back when you are done."  God has provided us with the tools necessary to live a life pleasing to Him. It is up to us to use those tools and talents for His glory.

If we think about it, we have to admit: we have received far more than we could have hoped for!