“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 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 good gifts to those who ask him! – Matthew 9:7-11 NIV
I was in love.
I was sitting in my university dorm room struggling with releasing this relationship to God. It was easy to pray and trust God with my exams, but could I trust God with this relationship I so deeply desire? As I was reading my Bible, the passage in Matthew 9:7-11 caught my attention.
“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 good gifts to those who ask him!”
My father came to mind. He was an alcoholic and had many failings in life. Yet, I was absolutely sure: if I needed help he would do all in his power to help me. In that moment, I had to affirm that God was perfect in his love and goodness, and in his wisdom truly desired my best. I realized this was not just a feeling, but the proof was in the fact that he sent Jesus to die an excruciating death on a cross for my sins. He truly loved me with a perfect love.
I concluded, in that moment, I could trust God with this love relationship I so desired. If it did not grow to what I desired, God would indeed provide the best future for me!! I had to re-affirm this many days when doubts crept in. It was a wonderful relationship, but it did not grow to be what I desired. As it turns out, God had different plans for me. He provided a new love relationship, and we are celebrating 40 years and counting!
Going Deeper: Is there an area of life that you are struggling to surrender to God? Do you believe that God is 100% good, loving and has your best in mind? Remember surrender is a moment by moment discipline.
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank you that you love me. Thank you that your perfect love has been so clearly demonstrated by your son’s death on a cross for my sins. I trust you to guide me and provide the best plan for every area of my life. Amen.
by Mike Woodard
used be permission
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