God the Giver
Scripture Reading — Matthew 7:7-11
“… How much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
—Matthew 7:11
Studies reveal that most people pray—and that they pray for a wide range of needs. People ask God for everything from a vacant parking space to healing for their loved ones. Yet the same research also uncovers the troubling fact that many who pray don’t actually believe God answers prayer.
Jesus insists that God does answer prayer, and he invites us to come to God, trusting him to answer us. God is not a remote or inaccessible deity. Neither is he capricious, answering prayers at random. No, the all-powerful God who created the universe is a loving heavenly Father who delights in giving good gifts to his children.
Are you in need? Ask God to provide. Are you lonely? Seek God’s presence. Are you in a crisis or conflict? Knock on God’s door for wisdom.
Prayer involves a radical trust that God will provide in the best way possible. No, God doesn’t answer every prayer in the way we might expect. But God promises that as a Father, he will care for his children. We can be assured of this because long before we were inclined to seek God, to ask anything of him, or to come knocking on his door, he did not withhold the supreme gift from us—the gift of his own dear Son.
What God-sized requests will you make of your heavenly Father today?
Dear Jesus, we marvel at your love as you stand before God’s presence on our behalf, praying for us. Help us to ask you in humble confidence for great things for your glory and honor. Amen.
About the author — Rob Toornstra
Rob Toornstra has served as pastor of Sunnyslope Christian Reformed Church in Salem, Oregon, since 2006. When not busy with pastoral duties, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Amy, and their three children.
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