Warriors Arise: February 16, 2024
Matthew 7:11 If you then, being 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!
Years ago, this verse bothered me. It is tough to be a good parent. You really strive not to screw up your children's lives. You love them, encourage them to pursue their dreams, discipline them when their attitude and actions hurt others, show them why something has to be done and how to do it, you instill good work ethics, teach them how to support others and celebrate their wins, show them how to develop a tangible relationship with God, and the list goes on. Parenting is not for the faint of heart.
Once your children leaves the nest, you hope they will remember and walk in what you have taught them. Jesus' words are cutting. I truly love my kids. I have made enormous sacrifices to invest in their lives. I never had any intention of homeschooling my children, and yet, here I am, homeschooling into my seventeenth year. Is it enough? Will they use the launching pad we created to pursue their god-given destiny?
How can Jesus say that I am evil? I am evil, and still I give good gifts to my children. What is Jesus saying?
This perplexed me for quite some time. The understanding God revealed was an "ah-ha" moment. Have you ever thought you were about to put on a white shirt until you laid it up to another white shirt? When the second white shirt was placed next to the first white shirt, the first white shirt now looks off-yellow, maybe dingy. My love for my children is like the first shirt. It seems white until it is put up to the second shirt that actually is white.
God is the second white shirt. When His love starts to pour over my children, when He supplies for them, when He provides of them, when He protects them, it is so far beyond what I can do for them that my efforts, my love seem like that dingy, yellowed white shirt. My shirt is good until it is placed next to the shirt that is actually white. My love is good until it is placed up to God's love. He has the capacity to love beyond what I can even comprehend. He knows exactly what my children need and how to give it to them. His love is so pure and exactly what is needed, it makes my love look evil.
My Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I need Your love. I can't give what You can give. You can do for my children exactly what they need. You can protect them when I can't . You can make a way for them when I can't. Your love is amazing. I pray You would fill my children with You love and the Holy Spirit. I pray they would receive His counsel and walk in His guidance. He will always lead them to overcome and into triumph in Jesus' Name, amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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