Who decides what you need?

I went to what I presume will be my last physical therapy appointment today. Lynn has done a wonderful job of getting me back in shape after a severe case of tennis elbow that lodged in both arms. I was literally crippled up with pain before she began working on me.

Although the doctor prescribed 12 visits and the physical therapist requested at least eight visits, the insurance company allowed six visits. Sounds crazy doesn't it? The people who know what you need make the recommendation but it is the accountants who decide what you get. The system is upside down.

As I drove home I began thinking about this question in terms of what we really need in life. The truth is that we think we know what we need. We base our decision upon whatever suits us at the moment. We need a new car. We need more time off from work. We need better neighbors. We need more money. We take these concerns and pray about them and then wait on God to answer our prayers. When we don't get what we want we come away disappointed.

Yet, the truth is that not all of the things we pray for are really needed. The Good News is that God knows what we need and God provides for us. He is not only the source of all that is good, he also knows exactly what we do need.

One of my favorite country songs is one by Garth Brooks. It's is entitled, "Thank God for Unanswered Prayers." It speaks to the wisdom of God and the way He gives us what we need and withholds what we don't need.

Here's hoping you get the answer to a prayer today and you get what you really need to bless you.