UNOPENED GIFT BOXES
Posted: May 28, 2017
Imagine a room filled with gift boxes of every shape, colour and size. What would you hope to find that would make you happy beyond reason? Perhaps a new car, the latest TV screen, latest version of I-phone, a promotion, a new puppy or a luxury vacation? Or maybe you need a good night’s sleep, less stress, be able to get pregnant or stop the neighbour’s dog from barking late at night. I know those are all good desires that would bring a smile to your face and ease in your life.
As Christians we have access to a room filled with gift boxes that hold everything we need to feel rich and fulfilled. But we won’t recognize our need for different boxes until a phone call, conversation or tragic incident throws our world out of balance. How do we find the kind of gifts we need during this dark period of uncertainty and pain?
The Bible tells us that all we have to do is knock to get into that room: “Ask, and you will be given what you ask for. Seek, and you fill find. Knock, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives, Anyone who seeks, finds. If only you will knock, the door will open.” (Matthew 7:7-8 TLB). Seems to good to be true, doesn’t it?
During the last 6-1/2 months of intense grieving and pain, I asked and knocked, and received the most beautiful gifts. Here are just a few that I received and they are also available to you.
Gift Box of Prayer: This has been and continues to be my greatest gift. Not only have I prayed, almost without ceasing, but I asked family, friends and people all over North American to pray for me. This beautiful gift gave me strength to move forward, heal my mind and body and gave me hope for a new day.
Gift Box of Peace: Peace reminds me that God is a good Shepherd and He looks after me each day. When stress beckons to overcome me, “He makes me to lie down by still waters and restores my soul.” With God’s peace in my heart, I feel that I can conquer anything and face a new day.
Gift Box of Joy: This is my favourite box and I make a choice to open it every day. Joy is not found in tangible bling and bobbles, but a “knowing” in my heart that in spite of my circumstances, God has a glorious day and future for me. We can buy things to make us happy, but joy is an “inside God job.”
Gift Box of Family and Friends: I don’t know how I would survive without opening these boxes every day. These gifts are my support, encouragement, wisdom and laughter. They open up golf games, dinners, movies, walks and great conversations. Family and friends are visible hands and feet of our invisible God.
Gift Box of Purpose: My ministry has always been my greatest passion and purpose. After I had to cancel all my speaking engagements, God assured me I had not lost my purpose. Each day my purpose is to love well, pour out blessings, help wherever I can and be a voice of hope and encouragement. During this time God has reminded me that I am not defined by what I do, but who I am.
Gift Box of Hope: I needed hope not just for a glorious eternity, but also for the upcoming days. My daughter Janice reminded me that most things in life are temporary and I would get through this. I believe with all my heart that “my setbacks are a preparation for a great comeback.”
These are only samples of the great gift boxes waiting for you and me. How do we get to open them? Ask and knock, seek and find. And never give up!
