Favor in a Box of Cereal

After trying out a healthy breakfast cereal, I went to the grocery yesterday to buy another box. Well, I found this single remaining 330g tall box of whole wheat cereal with a smaller 180g box taped to it. I was looking for the 180g box, but God reserved two boxes for me--for the price of one! 

Sometimes we wish for something, and we are willing to settle for something simple or small, but God sometimes surprises us with a bigger gift.  Our Heavenly Father must be so pleased lavishing us with His favor. 

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

A Generous Giver

As I get into my morning meditation, my daughter, fresh from the shower and getting ready for school, asked shyly, "Inay, do you have extra money?" She has already been given her week's allowance last Monday. The week was not yet over, yet I sensed that she was asking for an additional allowance for the week. I asked how much she needed and after she explained what she needed the extra money for, I didn't hesitate to give. 

She then happily prepared for school while I return to my Bible reading which happens to be in Matthew 7:9-11:  Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 

Such a wonderful spiritual truth with an immediate practical illustration! I didn't reprimand my daughter for asking extra money that morning. In fact, I was thankful I could give her what she needed. That morning's incident with my daughter was God's object lesson for me to show how much He enjoys giving me good gifts. If I am pleased providing for my daughter, how much more God Himself, who is far richer, far more generous than I am! God will certainly give what is good for us. 

Teach us, O God, to ask for the right things, and to wait quietly, confidently, assured that You will give them at the right time.