not-so-rich uncle

7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! Matthew 7:7-11

In today's text, Jesus tells us only to ask and we shall receive. If we “seek first the kingdom of God” (see Matthew 6:33), can we expect God to add material things to our portion?

Certainly not with a demanding attitude. Those who promote a gospel of material prosperity are twisting the Scriptures. God always provides for our needs, not necessarily our wants. Yet, if you are a parent, you know the delight of surprising a child with a gift. And that's what God does sometimes.

A woman I know had struggled for years to save enough to trade in her old car for a new one. When she hoped that she had enough cash to make the switch, her uncle from overseas implored her to come for a special anniversary celebration. “Since I have no children,” he wrote, “it would mean a lot to me.” So, my friend used the car money for her trip.

Now, heading overseas, she was truly broke—but not worried. God had always supplied her needs. Her riches were found in God's “inexpressible gift” (see 2 Corinthians 9:15). He was her confidant. He alone knew about her desire that she might be able to buy a new car one day—maybe even a two-seater convertible. (Yeah, right! She couldn't even afford an economy car.)

But God already had a plan, and it was one that only he could author!

Her uncle was not rich. In fact, he lived very modestly. Therefore, what happened next was amazing. The uncle gave her his life's savings because of her faithfulness to him—an amount that would not only pay for the trip but allow her to buy a new car! “Why wait till I'm dead?” he said. And he handed her the money in cash!

Would you call that a coincidence? Or an example of the promise of Matthew 6:33? —Elfriede Mollon, California

seeking: Father, how have you just given me renewed hope? What good gifts that I've received will I praise you for?

responding: Why do I doubt God at times?
• How has he provided for me in amazing ways in the past?
• What happens to my faith when the gifts don't come?

Father, help me to see that you've already given me more than I deserve. With each gift that I receive from your hand, help me to bow down and thank you with real gratitude.

following: God gives good gifts to his children.

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