One of the toughest battles we face in life is the warfare of lack. It’s that constant struggle where we feel like we never have enough—whether it’s money, time, energy, or even peace of mind. The more we try to catch up, the further behind we seem to fall. Emotionally and physically, it can be discouraging, frustrating, and even exhausting. But what if the battle you’re fighting isn’t just physical or emotional. We don’t often think of it this way, but at its core, lack is a spiritual battle. It can be multi-dimensional, manifesting in many forms—loneliness, poverty, wellness, ignorance, and spiritual dissonance. Attacks from the enemy can come against us with any one of these and more. They can start out as a temporary circumstance but evolve into much deeper, unseen warfare.
The Enemy’s Device
In John 10:10 (NKJV), Jesus Christ warns, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have [it] more abundantly.” Our Master and Savior didn’t want us to be ignorant of satan’s devices and warns us that the devil is a thief, murderer, and destroyer. Not only does he want to rob us of things, he wants to steal our joy, our peace, and our confidence in God’s provision.
The enemy is a liar. Jesus tells us in John 8:44 (NLT), “For you are the children of your father, the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth. There is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.” It should come as no surprise that the enemy wants us to believe the lie that God won’t provide for us, that we’re destined to live in lack forever.
It’s easy to let those feelings of lack take over. We look around, and we see others doing well. Their homes are full, their lives seem full, and we can’t help but feel like we’re missing out. But that’s when the enemy sneaks in with thoughts like, “You’re not good enough,” “God’s forgotten about you,” or “You’ll never get ahead.” That’s the warfare of lack, but the truth is that God will never forget about you or any of us. He loves us more than we can know. He’s fully aware of our needs and He has promised to provide for us.
God’s Promise of Provision
In Matthew 6:31-33 (NLT), Jesus reminds us of God’s promise: “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your Heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” You should put this promise on continuous playback in your mind, especially when you’re tempted to let lack become your focus. His provision isn’t limited by your circumstances or what others have. His supply is limitless.
For those walking the path of singleness and feeling the weight of loneliness, God’s provision extends to the deepest places of your heart. In Psalm 68:6 (NLT), it says, “God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.” It’s comforting to know that placing the lonely in families is God’s Will and promise. Single believers never need to stress about this because He has it under control.
While the world may emphasize the need for romantic relationships to feel whole, God promises to be your Source of belonging. He is the One who fills our cups and provides community, friendship, and peace in the places where loneliness seems to linger. There isn’t anything going on in our hearts that He doesn’t know about. He’s intimately familiar with our heart’s deepest longings and desires. Our privilege and obligation are to look to Him for our fulfillment and satisfaction.
Philippians 4:19 (NLT) tells us, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” When loneliness threatens to overshadow your life, make sure your companionship with God is the priority of your life. We must seek His Kingdom first, knowing that He is faithful to meet us with His love, comfort, and a rich supply of relationships that preserve our walk in Christ. Remember always that His provision is never limited by your relationship status, for His love is everlasting and sufficient.
Standing Strong in the Face of Lack
Our lack in any area of life—whether it’s finances, relationships, or peace—can often be linked to a deeper issue: our failure to cultivate a giving heart towards God’s Kingdom. Proverbs 11:24-25 (NLT) reminds us, “Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Generosity is a Kingdom principle that aligns our hearts with God’s purpose. When we withhold, we limit the flow of God’s blessings into our lives, but when we give, we open the door to His abundant provision.
In 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NLT), Paul emphasizes that sowing generously leads to a generous harvest: “A farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop… God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need.” Just as a farmer’s harvest is directly linked to how much seed he sows, our provision is tied to our willingness to sow into God’s Kingdom. When we invest in eternal things—through our time, resources, or service—God promises to meet our needs and bless us beyond measure.
Standing strong in the face of lack means trusting God’s principles of generosity. The act of giving reflects our faith in His sufficiency. As we give freely, we position ourselves to receive God’s abundant provision, not only for our own needs but also for the advancement of His Kingdom. Through generosity, we break the cycle of lack and tap into the overflowing blessings that come from living according to God’s heart.
It’s in times of lack that we learn to trust Him more deeply, to lean on His promises, and to recognize that He is our ultimate provider. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT), Paul says, “Each time He said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” Sometimes, God uses our lack to show His grace in ways we never expected. It’s when we are weak that His power is made perfect. Your lack is an opportunity for God to show up in a big way. It’s an invitation to experience His provision in ways that will strengthen your faith and glorify His name.
If you’re in a season where it feels like there’s never enough, don’t lose heart. This battle is real, but it is not your final chapter. Don’t give in to the lies of the enemy, telling you that your struggles will define you. Stand strong in the promises of God—He is your provider, and He will meet every need. Even when you feel like you’re running on empty, remember, God is with you, and His faithfulness never fails. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Keep trusting, keep praying, and keep standing firm. Though the battle may be fierce, God’s power is greater. When you place your trust in Him, He will see you through, bring you into abundance, and never leave you in lack. You can be confident in Christ that the best is yet to come! ■
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“The Warfare of Lack”, written by Rev. Fran Mack. Edits by Kim Times and K. Lizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.