The Gift-Giver
December 23, 2010 5:44 pm Be Encouraged
“If you, then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him?” Matt. 7:11
The first Christmas following our daughter’s downward spiral into rebellion, our hearts were filled with great sorrow. Wendi was sixteen – and pregnant. Where could we find “joy to the world” that season? How could we celebrate Christmas when we hurt so deeply? The only gift we wanted that Christmas—our only wish—was for our beloved prodigal to return home to Christ. Yet, during those days of heartache . . . and every single day of her waywardness . . . we discovered an abundance of gifts readily available to us, her parents. Where? . . . Under the tree called Calvary, where plenteous gifts were ours for the taking:
- PEACE – when we kept our minds stayed on Him (Isa. 26:3)
- ENCOURAGEMENT – from God, a “very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46)
- HOPE – an abundance of hope! (Rom 15:13)
- COMFORT – because we were His children (2 Thess. 2:16-17)
- JOY – in His presence (Psalm 16:11)
Jesus offers you “GOOD GIFTS” too—gifts chosen especially for you!
Whatever your pain is today—no matter how impossible your situation seems, dear friend—Jesus Christ will be your Comforter, Sustainer, and Giver of all GOOD GIFTS.
“No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly” – Psalm 84:11
REMEMBER THIS, HURTING PARENT & SUFFERING CHRISTIAN:
To believe His Word is to receive His gifts
We wish you JOY this Christmas season and in 2011!
