“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.”
–Matthew 7:9-11 (NLT)

I was once invited to a potluck dinner at a friend’s house, so I decided to bring some homemade chili. The fact that I can’t see didn’t slow me down, since I knew where all the ingredients were. My friends, however, didn’t believe that I could cook my own food. One friend ate two helpings of chili and told me how good it was, unaware that I had made it. About two weeks later he said hello to me in church.

I decided to have some fun with him. I put on my best straight face and told him that I had put dog food in that great chili he’d eaten at the potluck. (Of course he learned seconds later that I was just kidding.)

Many times our concept of God is like the chili I made for that potluck. We have an appetite for God, and a great desire to follow Him, until something comes up that we don’t understand. Just as I knew where the chili ingredients were, God has everything in our lives under control. But many times we begin to ask questions of God, just as my friend asked me about the contents of my chili. But Jesus tells us in the above passage that the Father only gives good gifts. God may not always give you what you want, but he will give you the best thing for you in your situation.

Think about the qualities that make up loving earthly parents. They may say no to desires they believe may harm their children, but they’ll go out of their way to support the kids in any way they can. God also possesses those loving qualities, and He loves you more than you could ever know. Whatever you may be facing, He wants to strengthen, empower, and encourage you.

Unlike me, when you ask God for chili, He won’t even think about giving you dog food. So put your trust in Him today, and watch Him work wonders in your life.

Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You may also send your donation to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 377 E. Chapman Ave., Suite 260, Placentia, CA 92870.

If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 641-715-3900, ext. 874157.