When I was in 7th grade, my mom gave me a particular Christmas present. It was a present that I felt, at the time, I had no need for…I did NOT like it!
In my immaturity and ungratefulness, I did not like the bible journal she had bought me that year.
Never mind that my mother had bought me other gifts, I just focused on the one gift I didn’t want.
Isn’t that how we ALL are with God at times?
He allows us marvelous gifts EACH & EVERY DAY…gifts we didn’t earn or deserve: His unconditional love & forgiveness, family, friends, health, jobs, homes, appliances to make our lives easier, churches, food, nature, laughter, music, cars, vacations, FUN, electronics, phones, everything good…yet we become angry, resentful, and distant when He gives us (or allows) something we didn’t want or ask for.
The “gifts” I received from God that I didn’t ask for were grief and being sick. Yes, they are gifts…and some of the most treasured gifts I have ever received.
I certainly didn’t think so at the time of receiving them…just like that bible journal from my mom…but NOTHING has shaped and formed me spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically as much as these very unwanted gifts.
The process of healing from grief and gaining my health back has been more meaningful because I know what it feels like to be brokenhearted and to totally not have my health. I haven’t yet arrived, but the journey I have walked with God is meaningful.
Today, think about a “gift in disguise” you didn’t want…something you resent God for. Ask Him to show you the gifts He has for you through your personal life storm.
Sometimes, the gifts you don’t want will often have great value…later on.
Sometimes, you will not know the worth and value of a gift until you get to heaven…but sometimes, they may end up being exactly what you need at a future date in life.
The bible journal my mom gave me back in the 7th grade became the journal I used after I got saved when I was 18. I also used that very special journal to read to my son (the part that had Bible pictures in it)…and he gave his life to the Lord because of that journal when he was 5. I also used that originally unwanted journal to write in after my sister died when I couldn’t form words to speak…and that special journal was the basis for my grief book that was published.
Never discount any gift God can offer you…even the ones you don’t want.
All gifts from God have great value.
