“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?” Matthew 7:11
Today’s Christian daily devotional
It was the end of a very long Chicago winter. And, despite the fact that the weather was still dark, wet and rainy, the storefronts were filled to the brim with brightly colored reminders that we were moving into another season.
“Go ahead and pick your favorite dress, Julia.” Clutching my hand, my grandmother and I walked up and down the isles of her favorite department store.
Oh, what a delightfully difficult task for kid who never needed an occasion to dress up!
There was a plethora of pink tulle, satin bows and strings of pearls as far as my little eyes could see. Oh, the glorious array of hats, gloves and shiny shoes… How could one know where to start?
I was happy but overwhelmed. My grandmother smiled, knowing my thoughts.
“Do you want to know how to pick out the perfect dress?” Bending over to my level, she scanned the department store from my viewpoint. Her eyes glittered with excitement after seeing mine.
“First, you grab all the dresses that catch your attention right away.”
I nodded while pointing to a pink glittery concoction a couple of steps away.
“Okay.” Grandma pulled it off the rack, carefully laying it over her arm.
We weaved through the isles of endless pretty frocks together. Each one seemed to be more beautifully embellished than the last.
Finally, when my poor grandmother’s arms couldn’t hold another dress, we marched into the brightly lit dressing room to try them all on.
Although I was only six years old, I was quite determined to grow up to be a proper lady. I soaked in all the tidbits of wisdom that my precious grandmother had to give me.
“A well-dressed woman always pays attention to detail, Julia.” I nodded my head as she helped me step into the first dress.
“See how this bow isn’t sewn on very well? See how it’s not even centered correctly?” I hadn’t really taken note of it until she pointed it out to me.
Before I bothered trying on another dress, we whittled down my choices.
That day, my grandmother taught me how to pay attention to the little details. She saved the two of us time, aggravation and trouble. Because of that, Grandma had enough energy to treat me to some bubble gum ice cream.
In Matthew 7:11 we’re reminded that even a wicked person can have a heart that desires to bless his family with the good things in life.
Many people doubt God’s provision. This really hurts the heart of God. When we doubt Him, it shows how little we know Him and how little we believe that He actually loves and cares for us.
By trusting in the wisdom of my grandmother, I left that department store not only with the most beautiful and well-tailored dress we could find, but also with the wisdom on how to be a better shopper in general—plus I had the priceless memory of how she cared enough to take the time to teach me.
God not only wants us to enjoy the best in life, but to bond with us during our search for it. He enjoys watching us grow in wisdom, and hopes to eventually see us pass that wisdom onto others.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I’m beginning to see how you work. You’re not some big “boss in the sky” that wants to command and condemn. You wish to have an intimate relationship with your most prized creation, the very creatures you have made in your image.
Lord, I want to bond with you. I need to learn to trust you more. Sorry for insulting you with my doubt. Today, I choose to let go of the bad habit of not trusting you.
You have provided so much for me, even in my ignorance. Give me the mind-set to come to you first when I am at a crossroad in my life. Help me to be patient as I wait for your voice and direction. Give me the tenacity to continue trusting you even when I don’t see the results of my prayers right away.
I understand that you work in your time, help me not to stop the work you are doing in my life with my own impatience.
In Jesus’ precious name, clothe me with honor, wisdom and dignity so I can share these riches with others. Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verse: Matthew 7:11
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan