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Good Father

Benjamin Watson

Sep 27, 2021
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On most mornings, a piece of fruit completes the children’s breakfast and clementines are a favorite in our household. Beginning to peel five, I noticed that one I was holding was much softer than the others. Turning it over revealed the whitish green evidence of decay and rot. For a split second I thought I’d play a prank, but the dad (and husband) in me thought better. To their dismay, I showed the kids this real-life example of natural decomposition before throwing it into the trash can.

As I peeled the remaining clementines, I was reminded of the goodness of our Father. If I, an earthly father desire to give his children the good gifts they seek, healthy fresh fruit in this case, how much more does our Father in heaven desire to give good gifts to those of His children who ask (Matt 7:7-12). As my sons and daughters trust me not give them spoiled fruit, we too can trust God to give us that which is in our best interest, even that which we most intensely desire. Moreover, as our intimacy with Him grows our desires align with His best for us. He promises that as we ask, we will find, as we seek, we will find and as we knock the door will be opened.

This is not a promise that we will receive any and everything we ask for. My children know not to ask for ice cream for breakfast nor do they even desire it because of the culture of our home. Their cravings for nutrition have aligned (at least in this case) with my desire for them, prompting them to ask according to my will for their wellness and overall health. It is a promise though, that God is delighted to bestow upon his children that which is for our ultimate eternal benefit. It is also one that encourages us to persistently and faithfully ask, seek and knock. His fruit is never rotten, His motives always pure.

I grabbed another clementine, peeled it and placed it on my youngest child's plate. Received with the cutest smile it didn’t last long. Another breakfast was complete.

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4 Comments

  • Marsha Clark Hamilton
    My personal experience with this verse was in 1984. My husband and I were looking to move closer to his university as he started an architectural degree. We were looking for a house to buy and needed our monthly payment to be under what we currently pa…
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    • 33w
  • Ruth Hostetter Nietz
    Thank you Ben for the poignant illustration using the clementines and the reminder that our heavenly Father's motives are always pure. He is working things out for out Eternal good and for His glory!
    • 33w
  • Karen Evans
    Thank you Ben. I needed this today more than you will ever know.
    • 33w
    • Author
      Benjamin Watson
      Thank you for reading Karen. Amazing how the Lord gives us encouragement from different places when we need it.
      • 33w
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