Matthew 7:9-11

…Or what man of you is there, if his son should ask a loaf of him, will he give him a stone?  And if he should ask a fish, will he give him a snake?
Therefore, if you, being evil, know to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good things to those that ask Him?

♥

I am going to tell you a story about the richest man in town who loved his children very much. It was Christmas time and the house was decorated, the tree was up and there were decorations all outside, lighting the beautiful home.

His little children were so excited! It was Christmas time! All his children were talking about what he might get them for Christmas. They had several wants and just the thought of Christmas morning was very exciting.

So here it came, Christmas morning. The children gathered around the beautiful tree. The presents were set under the tree, wrapped in amazing paper and ribbons.

After the presents were handed around, the children dug in, ripping paper, tossing ribbons and excitedly opening the gifts to find…

Underwear.

The children looked at their father, disappointment obvious on their faces. Father replied to their looks, “I provide what you need not what you want.”

You would be shocked, wouldn’t you? That the richest man on earth, who loved his children very much, only gave his children what they need?

God, our Father, the Creator of this universe, gets a bad rap like this, too.

God gave me this illustration when I got into a discussion with someone who argued that God will only provide what we need, not our wants.

Mat 6:31a-32b … don’t worry or think about it… your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

Php 4:19  And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Psa 34:10b … but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

1Ti 6:17  Charge the rich in the present age not to be high-minded (arrogant, stuck up), nor to set hope (trust) on the uncertainty of riches, but (trust only) in the living God, the One offering to us richly all things for enjoyment; 

Personally, on that last scripture, I do not richly enjoy my underwear!!

God already will provide your NEEDS. You don’t have to beg Him to supply them. He already promised you that He would. Just thank Him for providing them.

All that leaves are your desires, your wants, your dreams. He cares very much about them. Of course, “if you ask amiss” you’ll get nothing – you can’t ask for your neighbor’s wife, car or things you KNOW God won’t do (like get your boss fired because you don’t like him).

God is in the business of supplying our needs, yes. More importantly, He also loves to provide our wants and desires. Why? He loves His children very much.

You have not because you don’t believe that. IF you will trust God, develop a relationship with Him, love Him, He will give you wonderful wants, desires and things that make you smile.

John 10:10b…   “I (Jesus) came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)“.  Does this sound like Someone who died for you, only to give you… underwear?