What’s Lacking in Our Lives?

“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32 NASB

“The most important thing is who you become.” Dallas Willard

The most important thing: who we become. And this does not happen quickly; it comes with great difficulty.

My focus lately, probably yours too, is on lack. The gas pump resembles a casino lottery machine! The grocery store may have empty shelves, smaller packaging, and abhorrent prices. Do I buy a gallon or a half-gallon of milk? The birthday party will be a small sleepover in the backyard, rather than a bash at the roller rink. Forget about new carpet this year. Those nearing retirement have lost up to 50 percent of their savings. Some have lost more.

What’s missing?  Over and over in the Bible, our own nation’s history, and our humbling life experiences, we forget who is really in charge. We get “fat and happy.” We forget who truly and freely gives us all things and whose things they are—we’re stewards. But most importantly, our faith, our character, takes a beating. Our Father wants us to become something wonderful through the challenges. Something eternal. Something beautiful. Today. And our Father is not stingy. He said so. He doesn’t lie. “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”

Trust. That’s what’s missing. Whenever we see a lack, it may be an opportunity. I think of planting flowers this time of year because I love them.  I plant one seed, but with time, I receive multiple blooms. It takes weeding, watering,  feeding and patience, but the reward is worth it.  Sharing the blooms is rewarding, too. I confess I am still a rookie when it comes to trust, but the eternal “sowing and harvesting” principle still applies. We always have something to give, no matter how humble.

Musings

Trusting our Father and Jesus is something we practice for the rest of our earthly lives.  Our Father has the past and the future in his hands. Our purpose is to live today fully and in trust. Like the Israelites stepping into the Red Sea, we step into today and watch with wonder. We freely give, like our Father, all good things. All things are His anyway.

Prayer

Dear Father,

We have been going through a tough time and anxiety rules. From the shock of prices at the grocery store, overwhelming bills, and unplanned expenses, we abandon trust in You. Like Peter, we say, “Lord, save me!” We control, complain and worry. Teach us “to cast our anxieties upon you because you care for us.”

Thank you. We trust you.

Amen.