Stones & Snakes?

 "You parents - if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not!" (NLT Matthew 7:9-10)

When our kids were younger they'd asked for some pretty crazy things! Things that their dad and I would have been crazy to say yes to! I'm pretty sure they knew the answer would be no - but they asked anyway . . . just in case :)

This could also describe how I sometimes approach God with my requests. I've asked for some pretty bizarre things in my day, and if I'm honest, I've asked knowing it's probably not in my best interest, or it's terribly selfish - but I ask anyway . . . just in case!

"Sometimes God knows we are praying for 'snakes' and does not give us what we ask for, even though we persist in our prayers." The NLT commentary also says that God won't give us 'stones' instead of what we need.

The "no" answer never came as an easy answer for my kiddos. (and I don't really like to hear it either!)

Usually there would be "conversation" trying to convince us that what they were asking for was a good idea. (yep, I've done this with God too!)

Or they'd make promises that would sweeten the deal if only we'd say yes! (okay - I've done this too!)

The Scripture goes on to say:

"If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him." (Matthew 7:11)

As a parent I always want to protect my kids. (even now and they are grown!) I've always wanted to give them the best of everything. Many times my heart wanted to say yes, but my head knew it wasn't the best answer. I knew my job wasn't to make my children 'happy' all the time, but to love, care for and protect them. It's funny that I can recognize this as my role as a mom, but when I swap roles, and I'm the child making a request to my "Daddy God" - I can easily fall into the whining little girl who wants my way!

Sometimes I'd say to my kids, I know you think that's what you want, but it's not what you need. How often has God said that to me?! How many times have I tried to convince God, that yes it is!?! As I've grown in my faith and relationship with God I've learned, and been reminded over and over again, that our heavenly Father, is loving and kind, He is caring and comforting, He is gentle and gracious, faithful, and oh so patience with me! And because if this, He sometimes says "No".

Thank you God for giving me what I need, instead of just what I want.

Thank you God for teaching me the difference.

Thank you God for sometimes saying "No"!