The Simplicity of God’s Gifts
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights… —James 1:17
The Bible records the eight occasions when a barren woman miraculously conceived and gave birth to sons.
- Sarah gives birth to Isaac (Gen. 18:10-11; 21:1-2)
- Rebekah gives birth to Esau and Jacob (Gen. 25:19-26).
- Rachel gives birth to Joseph (Gen. 30:22-24)
- Manoah’s wife gives birth to Samson (Judges 13:1-3, 24).
- Hannah gives birth to Samuel (1 Samuel 1:19-20)
- Elizabeth gives birth to John the Baptist (Luke 1:7-24, 57-58).
- Mary gives birth to Jesus (Luke 1:26-35; Mt. 1:18-25)
- The son born to the great woman of Shunem (2 Kings 4:16-17).
The miraculous birth of the Shunamite’s son is unique. While the births of the other seven sons were essential to the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Israel, the Shunamite’s son had nothing to do with the history of Israel. If her son were never born, it would not have made any difference in fulfilling God’s covenant with Israel.
So why did God give the Shunamite this son if this boy did not play a significant role in how the history of Israel unfolded? ANSWER: Simply because God knew that having a son would make this woman very happy! It pleases God when we are happy!
God delights in giving us good gifts, not because they are essential to the fulfillment of His grand scheme of things… Not because we make some significant contribution in God’s work… Not because we play a prominent role in His purposes. No, He gives us “giveth us richly all things TO ENJOY” (1 Tim. 6:17). That’s just the kind of God He is — God gives us gifts for our personal enjoyment! “No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Ps. 84:11)!
Aren’t you glad you have a God like that! I am!!!
2 Replies to “The Simplicity of God’s Gifts”
I am so sorry about the pain you are suffering. We miss you and we are praying for God to heal and extend His all sufficient grace in your time of need. Be assured God knows how bad you are hurting and is working out His plan for your life. Keep trusting Him and meditating on His Word. We love you.
I can no longer walk, my pain level is 10 almost all the time, I can no longer drive, even to go to my beloved church. I have so many disorders I won’t list them. But I know God isn’t hurting me on purpose, and He doesn’t enjoy my pain. I’m so happy that He is my physician, and in His time, I believe He will let me serve Him in some way, even if it’s from a wheelchair! I miss you and my “Preacher Wife” so very much.I pray God brings me back to church according to His will.
Love, Darci Togesen