Matthew 7:9-11 NLT
“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
Jesus often used a form of exaggeration to make His points and to get people’s attention to deliver a strong truth. As you hear this passage, of course you wouldn’t give your child a rock when they were expecting food. Of course, you wouldn’t put a snake in their happy meal or lunchbox.
While we understand the point clearly, as parents, we can still paint God with an ill intention or subtly accuse Him of some sort of bait-and-switch when things don’t turn out like we thought they might.
Jesus is clear—God does not and will not play games with our lives, with our hearts. Others will, even we will, but He won’t.
Read Jesus’ words once more for the Message Bible: “Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?
What was the last good gift God gave you?
What good gift are you praying for right now?
In the quietness of this moment, dismiss the tempting thoughts of God giving stones and snakes to you and your children.
Expect and embrace the bread and fish, the good gifts He will multiply in your life.
Let’s pray: “Father, forgive me when I get into a stones and snakes mindset with You. I know that is not your heart for me and my children. I ask Your blessing, Your provision, Your protection, and Your favor on my home. As above, so below.”