God's Gift

Genesis 33:5 Then Esau looked at the women and children and asked, "Who are these people with you?"
"These are the children God has graciously given to me," Jacob replied.

I forget that in this culture and in many others throughout the world, the knowledge of children being gifts from God has been stolen from us. The prince of this world has robbed us blind, as they say. We no longer see children as gifts - good gifts. Actually, they are precious gifts to be desired and longed for - they are, after all, the heritage of the Lord. Funny that we would gladly accept a Porsche or a new house and probably even a new CD player, but a child? Could this possibly be a gift from Him?

At any rate, I was brought face to face once again with the absence of this understanding as I spoke with church leaders in Spain. And last night I watched "Mona Lisa Smile" with a daughter. How empty was the philosophy being espoused, how void of understanding. The only positive thing I can say about the film is that it presented an opportunity for open dialogue on the deceptions of feminism and the truths of God's Word regarding the importance of home and family. It reminded me of the need to be continually teaching Godly precepts, because this world is perpetually bombarding us with everything contrary to truth.

So I thought that today I would present a reminder of how precious children really are. What we do at home really matters to God. Let us not fall prey to wondering if there is value in this investment. Stay home, pour into them, sacrifice on their behalf, spend yourselves on the eternal things of God - His heritage.

It is a walk of faith. We do not see today what fruit will be born twenty years from now. We must take Him at His word. Well, what kind of life would it be if we didn't walk by faith? It would be a life that brings Him no pleasure, since without faith it is impossible to please Him.

I would rather do the adventurous. I would rather walk on water. The promises of this world look fulfilling for the moment, but result in barrenness. I choose God. And so far I have not been disappointed.