"You need the right documentation," I was told after my healthcare request was denied. That episode last year reminded me of similar episodes where I didn't have the "right documentation", even though I had sufficient evidence to qualify.

It's a common experience, isn't it? Oh, how much of our energy is consumed with getting the "right documentation". It can be frustrating. We may feel robbed of our time, money, and peace. Meanwhile, we may actually possess everything we need.

That hit home for me while watching the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz. In the story, Dorothy and three companions embark on a pilgrimage down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City where each one hopes to receive what's missing in their life. Scarecrow wants a brain; Tin Man wants a heart; Cowardly Lion wants courage; and Dorothy wants to go home to Kansas.

Finally, after overcoming many trials, the sojourners arrive at the magnificent Emerald City. They eagerly expect the "Wonderful Wizard of Oz" to grant their desires. But he doesn't. He admits that he's merely a humbug. Yet, he's not entirely pathetic. He can see that the travellers received their wishes through their journeying. He presents them each an achievement award: a diploma for Scarecrow, a heart-shaped watch for Tin Man, and a medal of courage for Lion. They are thrilled. Yet the wizard provided nothing more than symbols of validation — like the "right documentation".

While watching The Wizard of Oz, it occurred to me that, through God's providence over the years, I already possessed what I needed — without the "right documentation". God was sufficient for me.

Thankfully, our God is not constrained by mere "humbugs". Neither are we. He can provide in ways that we can't even fathom.

2 Peter 1:3 – His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (NIV)

The Wizard of Oz concludes with Dorothy receiving her wish, but not through the pitiful humbug. He fails her. She would instead use the magic shoes provided at the beginning of her trip. She simply needed to click her heels together and she'd be home in Kansas.

Dorothy hadn't considered that provision earlier because it wasn't the right timing. She wasn't ready to go home. She first had to surrender her dream of a magic place "somewhere over the rainbow". She had to forgive her Aunt Em and accept her humble Kansas home — which really was all she needed.

I see a lesson here. Our desire may not be fulfilled as we expect, or when we expect. Time and experience may be needed to prepare us to accept a different means. Perhaps what's needed is a change of thinking, and then, we are able to see how we actually have "everything we need". That's how it worked for me.

Perhaps you'd like to offer this personal prayer to God:

Prayer: Lord, may my current unmet need (whatever that is) be my opportunity to discover Your surprising provision. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Diane Eaton <dianeeaton6@gmail.com>
Paisley, Ontario, Canada
Send your feedback to the author