Just a parent talking this morning… I know how I felt about my kids – I loved them… Loved them unconditionally too! I wanted the best for them! I wanted them to reach their full potential and realize their “God-given purpose” on earth… Still do! I had a soft spot in my heart for their requests. If I could, I’d grant them (even if it cost me time, effort and $$$…and for a few of the things they asked for you could add some $$ signs). They were a persistent bunch on a few things… that was ok, it showed they cared. When the time and situation was right I tried to give them good things. There were a few things I said a firm “NO” to, however … things I was convinced were not in their best interests, things that were dangerous, things that could harm them. Sometimes they understood – other times they didn’t. That’s ok. Anyway, I really tried to show them a loving father’s heart!
Thought about all of that this morning as I read the following words in my Bible (and heard my Heavenly Father talking to me)…
“Ask [and keep on asking – in the Greek language it’s in the present, continuous tense], and it will be given to you; seek [same as the “ask”], and you will find; knock [Yup, same tense!], and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 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 7:7–11 ESV)
Just take it from me, we have a wonderful, loving, generous Heavenly Father (He beats ALL human father’s in love, caring and character!) He gives “good gifts” and is impressed by faith-filled persistence! If it is in our best interests, He will give us what we ask for… But we’ve got to trust Him! I’ve discovered sometimes, for my best interests, His answer is a firm, “NO!” – but Oh, how wonderful the “yes’s” have been! Gotta remember, He’s the “Father” – the “Heavenly Father” – His wisdom and knowledge are inscrutable! His power is unlimited – He’s the Almighty God! I’m His child, and believe me, I’m still learning!
I think we’ve all done it… Something threatens, a circumstance comes our way and we fret, fume and fuss… We’re flustered, we’re fearful, and the temptation is to forget about God, His power, His promises and His provision… panic sets it and we’re suddenly a spiritual and emotional “case!”
