Unexpected Gifts
By Noelle Dey
Friday, July 7, 2017
You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:21 NLT
“Close your eyes and open your hands!”
Whenever my daughter gives a gift, those are the words that excitedly tumble out of her mouth. She loves giving gifts and she can’t wait for the recipient to uncover the surprise.
Without hesitation, we do exactly what she asks. We close our eyes and we open our hands.
The anticipation builds until we hear the words, “Okay, now open your eyes!”
The best gifts are the unexpected gifts.
So, why is it so hard for me to let God be the gift giver? He asks me to close my eyes and open my hands. History has proven that His gifts are always better than anything I can imagine on my own.
But instead of trusting God, I work overtime trying to control and manipulate.
When I was single, I wanted a Christ-centered husband who had a great sense of humor. I yearned for a man who was compassionate and talented in his profession… someone who knew his calling and lived it out each day. I knew without a shadow of doubt he would be a businessman or a physician.
But God said, “Close your eyes and open your hands!”
When He finally pried my fists open, my physician turned out to be a musician. God’s ways were far beyond my wildest dreams.
Now that we have a daughter, I can’t help but wonder what she will be when she grows up. I have asked her countless times what is in her heart of hearts.
Through the years she’s told me she wanted to be an archeologist, a teacher, and most recently she’s voiced an interest in being a taste tester for Souplantation.
Every cell in my body wants to take the reins and control her path.
But then I hear God’s voice, “Close your eyes and open your hands!”
I slowly let go of my white-knuckled grip. With a shaky voice, I ask God to direct her steps. I ask for Him to give my husband and me the wisdom we need to pray for her, to guide her, and to recognize the path He has in store for this miraculous little girl.
Why? Because the best gifts are the unexpected gifts.
Is there an area of your life where God asking you to close your eyes and open your hands? Are your hands open? Or do you need to loosen your grip?
Isaiah 30:18 says,
So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. (NLT)
He’s waiting for open hands. Closed eyes. Faith and excitement. He wants to show you His love and compassion. You will be blessed when you wait and trust!
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for being the ultimate Gift Giver. Help us to grow in trust and excitement for the gifts You have in store for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
© 2017 by Noelle Dey. All rights reserved.
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Originally published Friday, 07 July 2017.
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