“If you . . . know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”Matthew 7:11 (NIV)
God is the source of everything. Everything you see in the world and everything you can’t see in the world and in the universe, God made. He’s the source of every good thing that has ever existed or will ever exist.
When you depend on God as your source for everything, there are four truths you need to remember.
First, everything is a gift from God. You didn’t earn anything you have. It’s all a gift of God’s grace. If God didn’t want to give it, you wouldn’t have it.
The Bible tells us in James 1:17, “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (NIV). That’s why this part of the Lord’s Prayer starts with the word “give”: “Give us this day our daily bread.” Why? Because it is a gift. You can’t earn it.
Second, there’s nothing you need that God can’t provide. You don’t know what you’re going to need the rest of the year—or even for the rest of the day! But whatever it is, God has the power to supply it.
The Bible says in Philippians 4:19, “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (NIV). “Riches of his glory” means as lavish as only God can lavish. God has unlimited resources.
Third, God wants to give you everything you need. Matthew 7:11 says, “If you . . . know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11 NIV). God is a good Father, and he wants to meet your needs. Before you even know what you need, God knows. And he is ready to provide it and give abundantly more than you could ask.
And here’s the fourth thing: God is waiting on you.
If you have needs in your life that aren’t being met, the problem is not that God doesn’t want to meet those needs; the problem could be you haven’t asked him yet. He’s waiting on you! James 4:2 says, “You do not have because you do not ask God” (NIV).
Go ahead and ask your heavenly Father, the Creator of the universe, for whatever you need, and see what he does for you.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Help Share the Good News of Jesus with the World!
In God’s Answers to Life’s Difficult Questions, Pastor Rick Warren takes you to the Bible to find practical, life-changing guidance for some of life’s biggest struggles.
This book will help you:
- Cope with stress in a healthy, biblical way
- Find peace and confidence in times of crisis
- Rebound from failure and move forward with purpose
- Overcome loneliness and build meaningful relationships
- Experience real, lasting change through God’s truth
Request your copy today when you give to help take the hope of Jesus to the world through Daily Hope. And thank you for your partnership!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
