Why do we as sons and daughters of the most High God get super skittish when it comes to asking the Father for things that we want??? . . .
Have you ever truly desired something in your heart but shied away from praying for that thing because you think, “I am not supposed to want that” or “that is selfish of me to want that”?
But what if the thing you want is truly good, and life-giving? Is it still selfish to want it?
The Bible says EVERY GOOD and PERFECT GIFT comes down from above from the Father of Lights. Every means EVERY GOOD and PERFECT thing in our lives is from God- your house, your spouse, your children, your salary, your possessions . . . all given to you by the one who loves you. Yes, given to you so you can steward them and build the Kingdom, but also given to you so you can ENJOY them because they were given by a GOOD Father who LOVES you so stinkin’ much!
And not only that, but Matthew says, that God WANTS to give us good gifts. If we should ask for a fish would our Fathers give us a snake? If we asked for bread would they give us a stone?! NO and if we, being sinful man, can give good gifts to our children how much more does our Heavenly Father desire to give us good things?!?!
So this is the story of how God gave me a bike! . . . enjoy.
While I was home for Christmas, I spoke at my Aunt’s house church. As we were wrapping up our time together she asked what my needs were. I shared with them how God had been more than faithful to provide for all my needs and I asked them just to join me in prayer and remain open to helping if anything should come up in the future.
When she and I walked outside, my aunt said, “No, really Kristen, what are your needs?” Again, I assured her I didn’t have any and the only thing I was really praying about was whether or not to spend money on a bike . . . a good bike. She stopped and said, “okay, time to go back inside.” We walked back inside and she asked me to share my “need” again with the lady whose house we were at!
I tried to explain this really wasn’t a need per se. I went on to explain how before moving to Cambodia, I would wake up at 6am and ride through the countryside near my house 25-30 miles a day. It was my favorite time of day; my prayer time with the Lord. I would watch the sunrise the world wake up. I told her this is the one thing I have missed most living in Cambodia. So I went on to say that I have just been praying about whether or not it would be good stewardship on my part to spend money on a really good bike.
I was shocked at her response- “if you have no other needs than this, then OF COURSE we can buy a bike for you!”
As I protested she led me to her garage where I saw many bikes of all kinds, two-seaters, collapsable, bikes for children, road bikes, mountain bikes! She went on to say, “Biking is my passion Kristen, it’s what I love and if it is what you love too, then I would love to buy you a bike.” She wrote me out a check right there and I thought my heart would leap out of my chest!!!
In that moment I heard the Lord speaking to my heart loud and clear:
“This desire is a good and worthy desire. I want to show you how much I love you and honor this desire. Accept this gift with thanksgiving.”
In that moment I felt infinitely loved because my heart and passions were validated by my Daddy!! In that moment I experienced the life and love of the Kingdom of Heaven in a new way.
Good gifts. God desires to give them. Do you have the guts to ask him?
Thank you . Thank you. Thank you.
to the friend who donated the money for the bike.
I am so grateful.
