Do you get a thrill from finding the perfect gift for someone? For me, it is a fun challenge and exhilarating when I have an idea as to what to get the person. I think about how they will be surprised, how much I love them, that they’ll know I know them well, and how they will enjoy the gift. It is not about the amount of money spent; the joy comes from the thought and act of giving.
My wife and I love to cook which means there are endless gift options in the realm of food preparation and serving. On a recent shopping excursion, I was on a high with excitement while browsing a pan that she had been wanting for a long time. It was the best color, heavy-duty, and had a classic and timeless appearance. I knew she’d love it and I couldn’t wait to use it as well.
Then I experienced something unexpected: A reminder of my mortality. The sales representative said, “This pan will last at least forty to fifty years”. While that’s a great selling point as to the quality, it hit me that the pan will outlive us, or at least outlive our capacity to whip up a clever and delicious meal. Do I really want this pan in my home, this reminder of my mortality? I thought, “Great, I’m jealous of an inanimate object.”
Knowing that God is in every life circumstance I took a deep breath and turned it over to him and this brought me peace. He’s in control. All of our days are numbered by him. Why waste another moment with morbid thoughts? Be grateful for this day. God didn’t promise an easy or even a long life. He did promise to give us peace beyond understanding:
“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
Instead of a morbid symbol of mortality, the pan now sits in our home as a reminder of God’s peace, the gift of each new day, a reminder of the pleasure of the smell of food, and the joy that comes with breaking bread with loved ones.
In today’s reading, God makes several promises to Abram and Abram’s response was faithful and honorable to God:
And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. (Genesis 15:6)
Consider the promises of God and his plans for you. Ultimately, all of God’s promises from the Old Testament are fulfilled in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I pray you find peace and joy in the best promise of all, salvation through Jesus Christ.
For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
Each day brings a new opportunity, usually unexpected, for all of us to face our fears and lean on the promises of God. He loves you, he has a plan for you, and he will never let you down.
Today’s reading: Genesis 12-15; Psalm 148; Mark 5