“From dark clouds we get precious water. From dark mines we get valuable jewels. And from our darkest trials come our best blessings from God.”
Unknown
Imagine with me – it’s Christmas morning and you’re up early with excitement, full of anticipation. You can’t wait for your child to unwrap the gift you’ve picked out just for them. It has their name written all over it, tailored made to fulfill their dreams and desires. But instead of tearing the wrapping paper off their present, they refuse to open it. As a parent you’re confused and can’t understand why they’ve rejected the good gift you’ve chosen for them.
Sometimes we’re like that child on Christmas morning, toward God. He has a gift all wrapped up with just us in mind, yet we turn our backs on it. Granted, sometimes the presents aren’t wrapped the way we want and they’re not inviting. Gifts such as sickness, a loss of a job, a broken relationship or like for us, a move to another state, having to start over in your sixties, away from your family and friends.
The Phillips translation of James 1:2 reads, “When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends!” Those unexpected and unwanted trials are actually gifts God wants us to open. In fact, what seems to be the worst possible gift to unwrap, becomes the most wonderful one.
Children on Christmas morning aren’t wondering whether or not they will enjoy the gift they’re about to unwrap. Instead, they trust their parents have their best interest in mind. Luke 11:13 makes it clear we can trust our heavenly Daddy. “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!”
What gift is God holding in His hands with over-the-top excitement, waiting for you to unwrap? Will you trust Him and eventually thank Him for it? It’s a process. Don’t let the funky looking wrapped gift detour you from opening it. Go ahead. Take a step toward God’s gift. Begin ripping the paper off. Embrace God’s tailored made gift for you. See who God wants to be for you in this gift and enjoy what He has waiting for you.
“God will take you through places you don’t understand, just to bring you to the place where He needs you to be. Trust Him.”
Trent Shelton
Relevant Reflections:
What gift from God have you avoided unwrapping?
Describe a time when the worst possible gift turned into the most wonderful one.
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