Matthew 7:7-12
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the law and the prophets.”
Here I am on the tail end of my support raising season and I find myself lavished in joy. In this season of practiced trust I have been given eyes to see fruit, to see divine provision over my life and calling. In this heart posture I am reminded of Matthew’s recording of Jesus’s words… ask… seek… knock… that so beautifully flow into given... found... open... and receive.
How sweet it is to have a Father in Heaven that not only knows how to give good gifts but delights in the giving. He takes joy in our humble approach and honors each of our steps in faith. Maybe we simply ask, seek, knock, in order to open our eyes and hearts for when the gift is given, inviting us into the blessing.
Growing up my mom always told me that “when you share you get more”. As a kid this often translated simply to material things between myself and my siblings and friends I but as I’ve matured in faith my understanding of her heart in instilling generosity in this way has begun to more fully take shape. Generosity flows from generosity. If we are able to see beyond our own needs in order to respond to the needs of others this is where our true reward lies, this is where receiving takes place. With Jesus we are promised provision and often see that the result of giving a generous gift is often receiving yourself. And even the other way around; the result of being given a generous gift is often the compelling of further generosity.
Generosity flows from Generosity.
We have been made in the image of a God who gives GOOD gifts, generosity is part of our original creation narrative. Why would we; better question, HOW could we not also give then?
Generosity, I believe, is our natural God-made response to gratitude. Generosity leads to thanksgiving which leads us right back to generosity!
And you know what's even more wonderful?! HE GIVES US MORE -he provides and freely gives beyond necessity or worldy reason, because he is a loving father who knows his children who he absolutely delights in. That’s you! That’s me! Why would any father give a gift not worthy of receiving or that wouldn't result in joy? “HOW MUCH MORE will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
Support raising, in many ways, has been a tangible example of this verse that Matthew highlighted in my life. I have been bold to ask and diligent to seek, and the Lord has so SWEETLY GIVEN; providing for me in a way that makes me want to give right back with my time, resources, and able body. Currently on the recieving end of profound generosity I find myself with a heart to give my life away for his GOOD work. I am thankful. Praise the Lord!
Where has our Heavenly Father provided for you recently? What is your response to that provision?