A Gift Is Presented and Given, Not Taken
We've all at some point or another in our lives received a gift. It’s something that's presented , not taken. You don’t beg for it or grab it out of someone’s hands. It’s given—freely, intentionally, and often with joy. I’ve been reflecting on a season in my life when I was striving—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—for something I thought was meant for me. But looking back, it seems it wasn’t the gift God intended. James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” They come down from above—deliberately and beautifully, like the way we present gifts to those we love. Even in our flawed humanity, we try to make our gifts thoughtful, meaningful, and joyful. So how much more would our perfect Heavenly Father do the same? As I wrestled with what felt like a missed opportunity, I sensed God gently showing me that His true gifts—especially the perfect ones—come w...