"Teach us, O God, that nothing is necessary to Thee. Were anything necessary to Thee that thing would be the measure of Thine imperfection: and how could we worship one who is imperfect? If nothing is necessary to Thee, then no one is necessary, and if no one, then not we. Thou dost seek us though Thou does not need us. We seek Thee because we need Thee, for in Thee we live and move and have our being. Amen."

A.W. Tozer speaks of the self-sufficiency of God. A topic presumed to be known, but how often considered and truly pondered?

While reading this chapter I noticed an objection rising within me. A thought that would indeed make me a necessity to God Almighty. Tozer addresses this train of thought. A way of thinking among some in the Body of Messiah that God needs us, that we are necessary to Him, and that without us, Christians, His good news would not reach the most remote and primitive places on earth.

I kept thinking how impersonal Tozer was making God sound. How "above us" He is. (Who does he think He is? Oh, that's right. He is.) I felt like I wasn't needed. That I am not necessary. I felt that I wanted to be needed. I suddenly had the truth that God doesn't need me forced into my thoughts. I knew this before, but I now realize that it hasn't been informing my daily life. I have been living under a false impression, worshiping an idol instead of the Lord. Lord, forgive me. I am humbled that You would even consider working through me; much less have a relationship with me.

"He needs no one, but when faith is present He works through anyone."

It's not that the Lord needs us to meet the needs of others. That is absurd! The important thing is for us to recognize our place and our dependency, our NEED and NECESSITY, for God.

"That God exists for Himself and man for the glory of God is the emphatic teaching of the Bible."

Fountain of good, all blessing flows

From Thee; no want Thy fulness knows;

What but Thyself canst Thou desire?

Yet, self-sufficient as Thou art,

Thou doest desire my worthless heart;

This, only this, doest Thou require.

Johann Scheffler