MATTHEW 7:11

 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

TO PONDER

Discipline, it is often a hard thing to endure and it is not always a pleasant thing to administer.

I think that sometimes when Christian people read this verse they have a tendency to think that God is promising that we will not ever receive anything unpleasant from his hand, that provided whatever we ask is not contrary to his will and plan for us, and not ultimately going to harm us, that we can expect a comfortable and easy life.

I have taught children who have been given a comfortable and easy life. Almost without exception, they are some of the most difficult and cantankerous children I have ever had the 'privilege' to teach.

Now our God is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, but sometimes what is good for us is not what we want. Sometimes, God's discipline is exactly what we need. Now I am not suggesting that every bad thing that happens in our lives is God trying to teach us a lesson about something, I'm just asking us to consider that sometimes, the good gifts God might want to give us, may not always be the ones we ask for - that doesn't mean they are not good.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know that you have plans for me and my life and I know that they are for my good. Help me to trust you more each day to give me the good things that I need to faithfully walk in the good plans that you have for me, our beloved child. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle.