Options: You Only Need One

In our consumer society we are used to having lots of options - in any mall there may be a dozen stores selling shoes. Within one shoe store may be dozens of shoes in your size, so you have to narrow the choices by deciding on the type of shoe - dress or athletic, leather or synthetic, stiletto or flats, black or magenta, and so forth. It feels good to have options - it gives a comforting sense of somewhat in control. But what if there are no options at all?

• You need a job and there are no more leads
• You need to sell a house though no one has sold a home in your area in 18 months
• You are restless in your spirit because God is calling you to a different type of work and nothing makes sense
• You are facing a major decision and have no clue what to do

At times like these, four little words have encouraged me: "You only need one."
"You only need one what?" you may ask. It depends on what you need.

• What are you lacking?
• What driving prayer request is on your heart?
• What deadline is looming in your life?
• What piece is missing in the puzzle of your life?

You need only one option when you are facing a major decision in your life. Praying for a new job? You only need one job. Asking God to find a seller for your home? You only need one buyer. Praying for an open door for ministry? You only need one opportunity. You need a miracle? You only need one.
I remember a time we needed to sell a home and I was nervous because the real estate market wasn't moving. Could we seriously expect to sell our home if no one else's home was selling? As a new bride in a new city I needed a job - wasn't it crazy to hope to find a good job when no one was hiring? When there was a financial need, wasn't it normal to experience a modicum of panic when it looked like there were no options to meet it?
In each situation all we needed was one miracle, one answer, one open door - just one, and in each one He answered. God doesn't work in a cafeteria of options - He is the Creator. He doesn't need to wait for favorable conditions or split second timing or for enough provision to accumulate. He has no needs, period. He is complete in Himself and the Source of all things. He created all the galaxies, quasars, black holes, and planets. He delighted in sculpting tiny flowers and thousand-year-old oaks. He still paints a fresh sunrise and sunset every 24 hours customized for every spot on our planet, even when no one is there to see the light show. He crafts every baby's giggle before they even take their first breath. There are trillions of details in our world that demonstrate to us His creativity and care. Is it really so difficult to believe that He cares for the eentsy-est detail in our lives?
The question is no longer if God can or even if He will answer - He always does, and sometimes He even gives several options. The real question is whether I will trust Him to provide the answer to my needs - after all, I only need one.