Strange Packaging

Given December 6, 2014

I heard a story of a wealthy man whose son wanted a new car for his college graduation.  On graduation day, the father gave his son a brightly wrapped package and when it was opened, the boy saw it was a bible.  The son was mad because he didn’t get what he wanted in his package and stormed out never to speak to his father again.  Years later the father died and when the son again saw the box on a shelf, he got the bible out and a key dropped from the pages.  You know what was parked in the garage, covered with dust.  What he wanted was in the box all the time but was strangely packaged.  (See: http://inspire-others.com/graduation-gift)

God does that to us sometimes.  We may be going through a hard time and have asked God for something only to get a package not wrapped like we wanted.  We prayed for what we want, how we want it and when we want it.  But it doesn’t seem to be in our package.  Think of Joseph.  God promised him a “gift” but in his package he found being in a pit, sold into slavery, falsely accused, thrown in prison, and forgotten by two friends in prison.  But he kept the faith and he finally got the promised gift; second in command in Egypt and saving the country and his family from starvation.

And what about Job?  His “gift” came with him losing his health, wealth, and his children. He endured the blame and bad advice from his friends and his wife but did not turn on God.  “Though He slay me, yet shall I serve Him.” (Job 13:15).  God allowed all this bad packaging to happen to his servant Job but, in the end and because of his faith, his gift was revealed.  “After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” (42:10). All except for his children because he would see them again in Heaven.

So, if you’ve received a gift package from God that is not what you asked for, thank Him and look deeper.  “…how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11).  Keep your faith and trust in God through your trial, become stronger, and come out a winner!