"Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" (Matthew 7:9-11 ESV)
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV)
My parents knew me well. They paid attention to my interests and selected a gift for my birthday that was just right for their little girl.
The tall box looked so exciting! The gift inside was for me and I couldn’t fathom what could be within. Someone suggested that it could be a bicycle. Who wouldn’t want such a great gift?
Anticipation of a bike won in my mind. I wouldn’t be surprised if I had started telling my cousins I would be getting a bike for my birthday.
When I opened the box, there was a beautiful easel. It was perfect for me. I would be able to work on art in a new way. Why was I so disappointed? What I expected to receive was a bicycle.
Did I need a bike or an easel? No, my every need was already provided for! This was a special, personal gift. My heart was not ready to receive it.
Do I still receive gifts this way? My heavenly Father knows me well. He not only pays attention to my interests, He put them within me. He has selected gifts that are just right for me and if I am busy complaining that I didn’t get what I expected, I won’t be using the gifts He designed for me.
As we enter the new year, filled with unopened gifts, we can have confidence in the Giver.
Dear Father, Thank you for the gifts you provide. Please forgive me for the times I complain rather than trusting you. Help me to use what You give me well. Thank you that you know just what I need. I’m so glad that You are a good father. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
When in life have you expected one thing, but received another?
How have you used the gifts your Father gave you?
Ephesians 3:19 “and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
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