The Pet Possum

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I cannot help but laugh every time I see the commercial. I have seen it enough that I usually chime in with the Dad when he says, "There he is." The reason it is so funny to me is that it is absurd. If your kids asked for a puppy, would you say, "Nah, they are too expensive have a possum!" Probably not.

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, 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 7:8-11

We all know how to shower the people we love with good gifts. We did not have to attend a three day seminar at the Hyatt Regency to learn to give good gifts. And most of us are humble enough to tell you we struggle to do what is right and to do good. So if we can pull it off, how much better can God, being the ultimate definition of what good is, be at giving good gifts to those who ask? Is he going to give you a Ferrari and a $50 million lottery winning if you ask? Probably not. He is interested in what is best for us - not setting us up to be self-indulged. But how about providing for our families? How about helping us become better husbands and dads? He is all about it.

But come on, how about the rich thing?

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. - Luke 12:48

 So, if you do make the big payday, keep in mind much is expected of you. Sorry to break that one to you, but there it is. So where does that leave us? According to this article: The World's Top-10 Richest Countries in 2012, The United States is the Seventh richest country in the world with an "Average income per capita: 46,860 dollars a year." We have been diluted with the middle class, upper class, nonsense that we constantly hear on the evening news. As bad as it may seem with the current economy, the fact is that the middle class citizens of the United States are rich compared to the majority of the planet. We do not carry our water in buckets for miles to cook, we have HVAC climate controlled homes, and we have cars to drive. So, much is expected? How are we doing on that part? Working to relieve suffering? Providing for the needy? Taking care of orphans and widows? Ouch! While we are fussing about how long our commute home is, someone is worried about where their going to get their next meal if at all. While we are fussing about the city's water restrictions impinging on our ability to spray drinking water on our yard, someone is wishing they had clean drinking water.

So what is it that has been a major struggle that has been burdening your spirit? Have you asked God for help or are you going at it on your own? Does pride flair up followed by the words, "I got this!" Marriage Struggle? Problems with a teenager? Health issues? Have you asked God? Matthew 7 says much more is given to those who ask Him. So ask!