Withholding Good

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" - Romans 8:31-32

Being a dad has caused me to gain perspective on God as my Father and us as his children. I will not soon forget this lesson I learned as a young parent…Trish and I were pushing our girls in their stroller when Evie began reaching her hand down to feel the new sensation of the wheel brushing against her fingers. Knowing the risk of getting her fingers caught between the spokes and the frame of the stroller, Trish asked Evie to stop, resulting in a shower of tears and some less than cute behavior.

Evie couldn't understand why. All she thought was "Mom is taking away my fun".
Moments like these have opened my eyes to my own heart and mind. When I wander from the commands of my heavenly Father, it's because in that moment I, like Evie, believe He is withholding something good from me.

The same was true of Adam and Eve in the garden and the same is true of us all, when we succumb to sin. In these moments it can be so easy to forget that our loving heavenly Father really wants what is best for us. He proved this by sending his most prized possession, his Son, to die for us and to save us from a life of meaningless pursuits that will only end in emptiness and pain.

If God gave us His very best, why would He withhold any other good? (Hint: He doesn't.) I pray you continue to be reminded of these gospel truths as you seek to "take every thought captive and make it obedient unto Christ"(2 Corinthians 10:5).