Dear brothers and sisters,
If you offered someone a gift how would you feel if they refused it? Hurt. Disappointed. Sad. Confused. Especially when it was given in love and even made with your own hands. Rejection is real everywhere we look today. Even in my own life I have been brought up short when I realized how I rejected gifts from God. From a high wall, hardened heart, I have wondered why God wasn't blessing me too. What makes the difference?
This comes home to me today because this morning, very early, I felt impressed to give a hat and scarf that I made to a woman who frequents our cafe. She is in at least two times a day. Now that the weather has gotten cold, it would make sense to offer this gift to her. I did. She refused it. "I don't want or need it." was her reply. Period. Yet, I was taken back because she comes in obviously chilled in her thin jacket and sweatshirt and old pants. I wasn't feeling sorry for her, I just wanted to make her more comfortable. I let her know that if she changed her mind, it is hers. I went back home with deep sadness in my heart.
Thinking about this refusal, I began to pray. Here is what the Holy Spirit showed me. About myself; I have refused the gifts that God has brought to me because they didn't come in fresh, colorful wrapping and tied with a beautiful bow. Are you following me so far? My first thought was how I have complained about being lonely for almost 6 years now. Yet, never once did I stop to thank God for being my provider, supplying me with His grace while I troubled over these emotions. Thankful for His friendship that outlasts any I have known.
Things are different now and may never be what they were again. I used to be involved, surrounded by friends. Then, there came a fork in the road and I got to choose to follow Him. Today, I am so thankful for the path He has led me on! Not easy, not socially acceptable. But, I know without a doubt that He called me to His presence, without distractions and busyness.
Pain too has been a gift in disguise because in it I am able to lean all of my weight on Him. Jesus has shown to me His faithfulness. He listens to my complaints without turning His back on me. So, lonliness and pain have been my greatest teachers of the amazing grace in Jesus Christ bringing me to a deeper understanding. I treasure His will in my life. I believe He brings these things to allow me to experience the heart of the Lord.
Well, having said that, I must say that yes, it hurt my heart at this woman's refusal of a simple unwrapped hat and scarf. She has also refused my prayer for her in the past, during a trying time with cancer. Well, she doesn't know that she is still in my prayers. What has made her heart so hardened I can only guess. She has been hurt. Only Jesus can mend those wounds. He is trustworthy and now I understand why Jesus asked some people if they wanted to be healed and forgiven. We make the choice to respond with gratitude or turn away back into our darkness and pain. We can become bitter or better can't we?
Jesus led me this morning, I know. It revealed to me there are some who do not welcome the Truth and refuse to love it that they might be saved. They are led by a strong delusion, a misleading influence. We must not give up though! We do have the greatest gift to offer them. We have to keep offering as long as there is time. We have to hold fast to God's Word and live according to His instructions. Even if it means a small token to say we are thinking of them.
What is yarn compared to the gift of God's unfailing Love? What is a note reminding them that you are thinking of them, compared to the many times Jesus has knocked on the door of your heart? Stand firm. Hold fast. Offer the hope that is in you! Do not be afraid, He is with you.
"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our father, Who loved us and gave us everlasting consolation and encouragement and well-founded hope through [His] grace (unmerited favor), comfort and encourage your hearts and strengthen them [make them steadfast and keep them unswerving] in every good work and word." 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17.
Thank you for bearing with me this morning. Please accept the gift of salvation today. Accept the daily presents, no matter how they come wrapped. Allow Holy Spirit to make you faithful in this journey. Stand in your faith in Christ. That leaning of the entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness.
Bless the name of the Lord with me today. He is worthy of our worship, all the time. Jesus will personally see to all that concerns you if you will allow Him the opportunity. Today, it may mean being still. God is so good! Bless you as you continue to give the riches of His grace to others. In the matchless, precious name of Jesus, amen.
Abundance is...receiving The Gift