Good Gifts

April 15

Deuteronomy 28

Psalm 45:13-17

Proverbs 11:9-11

Luke 11:1-28

Good Gifts

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?  If he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?  If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”  Luke 11:11-13 NIV

One of the most difficult things about being a parent is giving your children what they need instead of what they want.  It is much easier to give them what they want.  It is easier to let them eat french fries and chicken nuggets for every meal instead of making them eat vegetables.  It is easier to go ahead and buy the candy bar at the grocery store instead of listening to the tantrum at the checkout counter.  It is easier to let your daughter go to that party where you don’t know what will be happening than to say no and listen to her screaming and pouting about how you don’t trust her.   When we are entrusted with the responsibility of caring for one of God’s precious children, we must make hard choices.  We have to think of their future and do what is best for them.  We know that they need the vitamins and nutrients that vegetables provide.  We know that if we give in to a tantrum this time at the grocery, then every time they don’t get their way, they will throw a tantrum.  And we know from experience, the things that can happen at parties.  It is our responsibility to protect them from those dangers.  Unfortunately, we don’t always make the right choices.  Sometimes we give in and do the easy thing instead of the right thing.  We cave to the pressure or just make unwise decisions.  Our intentions are good.  We love our children and want what is best for them, but we are human.  Fortunately, our Heavenly Father doesn’t make bad choices.  He always does what is best for us.  We do not always understand what He is doing.  Thankfully, He does not always give us what we ask for.  He doesn’t give us french fries when we need vegetables.  And even if we throw a tantrum when we don’t get our way, He doesn’t give in to us.  He always does what is best because He loves us.  Thank Him today for His loving protection and care and for knowing when to say no.