Faith Doesn’t Cancel Need

timothyjmccollum
Feb 11
3 min read

Updated: Feb 14

“Lord, I just went to the grocery store to get fruit and dinner supplies for me and my folks. As I’m walking in, I see a homeless man I’m well acquainted with, Greg.

I said, “Hey, Greg! How are you?”

He is very comfortable with me and immediately asked, “Can you get me some food and a coffee?”

“I only have $20 today. I’ll get you either a coffee or a sandwich. I’m sorry, brother.”

We both walk up to the coffee shop inside the grocery store, and I can see he’s disappointed.

I see Miss Souad, the friendly barista, and say, “Good morning! Did you enjoy that surprising warm weather this morning?”

“Oh, my goodness, Tim. It was wonderful. It probably won’t last long, but I’m going to enjoy it while it’s here.”

“So true.” I look at Greg and ask, “Would you like a coffee or sandwich, brother?”

“Coffee, please,” looking at the ground for a split second.

“Could I get a grande mocha?”

“Sure! Anything else, Tim?”

“That’ll be it! Thank you.”

“$6.55. Ready when you are.”

I tap my card and start thinking what I’m going to pray for Greg.

“Uh, it’s showing you have 70 more cents to pay, Tim.”

My heart sank. Mom just gave me $50 two days ago. There’s no way it’s gone already. I panic, trying to figure out which card to use. “Sorry,” fumbling in my wallet. “Oh, yea. I can use my credit card.” Another pit wells in my chest as I realize how much I owe on it for next month and how little I’ve paid off last month. I tap the card.

Miss Souad says, “That’ll be right out, Tim.”

“Thank you!”

I look at Greg, and the look of joy on his face has never been more genuine. He’s embarrassed for me, but he’s grateful I gave my last cent for his coffee, something only the desperate understand.

I walk to the end of the bar where they place the coffees, Greg waiting for me.

“Do you need prayer for anything, brother,” I ask him.

“Yes, please.”

“Just gratitude for the weather and blessings?”

“Yes.”

I pray my usual, “Thank You for today, Lord,” prayer and say my goodbyes. I get the groceries and text mom, “I’m at zero again, ma. I’m sorry…””

What to do if you are desperate?

I was so mad.

“Lord, I’m doing so much. I’m giving my all. I’m being patient in the midst of everything. I need You to bless me. I need money. I’m drowning over here, Lord. What do I do?!”

My God graciously but sternly says, “Work.”

I know exactly what He means. He doesn’t mean get a job, my psychiatrist was adamant I not work a regular job after my fifth psych ward stint. He doesn’t mean go gamble, hustle, or any sinful form of acquiring money.

“Should I write, Lord?”

“Write a blog.”

If you ever find yourself at rock bottom, where I find myself often, you have full access to the Creator of the universe. He is right there with you. “Blessed are poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 5:3 (NASB)).

Faith doesn’t cancel need, though.

James 2:15-17–“If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to him, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? In the same way, faith also, if it has no works, is dead.” (NASB)