One of the things I love about my husband, Philip, is how generous he is with his six children and grandchildren. He freely gives his time and finances to do whatever he can to bless them.
This week our youngest daughter Shontelle is enjoying her Dad’s generosity. She is the youngest of our daughters and the only girl still living at home. One of her gifts for Christmas was a shopping trip, and Philip bravely asked how much she thought was a reasonable amount to spend. After much deliberation and her revealing she was hesitant to ask for what she wanted, they agreed upon an amount.
As Shontelle is the youngest of four girls, she has invariably received many hand-me-downs from her older sisters which she has appreciated and always graciously accepted. However, this has also meant she has not always had the opportunity to explore and express her unique style and personality in the way she dresses. Shontelle shared this reasoning with her Dad, including her fear of appearing greedy or ungrateful.
I love what Philip did next as he gently told his beautiful 15-year-old baby girl that it wasn’t okay with him that she had so many hand-me-downs and didn’t feel her wardrobe was her own. He then agreed to give her the full amount she had requested and commended her on her attitude to ask rather than demand.
As we talked, I realized how often we feel the same way when asking anything of God – our heavenly Father. We can hesitate to speak honestly with Him, don’t even think to ask for what we desire, believe he’s too busy for us, expect a no or for him to not answer at all.
But just as Philip did everything to grant our daughters request, God the ultimate Father feels the same way about us. He is El-Shaddai – all-sufficient one, Abba Father and Papa.
He wants us to ask for what we desire and to be honest with Him about the things in our heart. The bible describes the Father’s love for us as lavish; meaning generous, extravagant and one who gives generously. He gave up everything for us that we would enjoy full, overflowing abundant life so unless it’s detrimental to who we are and the destiny upon our life he promises that he won’t withhold any good thing from us.
As you look at the year ahead and all that is in your heart, remember that you have a good, good Father who extravagantly loves you and actively looks for ways to pour out His love upon you. Seek Him today, be honest, and “Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full”. (John 16:24)
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.” (1 John 3:1)
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield. The Lord bestows favour and honour; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” (Psalm 84:11 NIV)
“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things.” (Romans 8:32)
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you are always seeking ways to bless and care for me. Please help me let go of any mindsets or hurts that might prevent me from seeing you as the loving, generous Father you are. I’m believing and asking for…..In Jesus name Amen.