When God Withholds

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will be not also with him graciously give us all things?  Romans 8:32

Do I believe that God is gracious and that his generosity has no limits whatsoever?  While I may know that God gave me what was most precious to Him, His only Son, I can still believe that God is a withholder.  When I perceive there’s something I really need and God fails to provide it, I can question His generosity.  Yes, God gave His Son but perhaps that’s all He ever wanted to give to me. Am I presumptuous to ask for something in addition to my salvation?

Complicating this is the fact that I often ask for what is not good for me.  I don’t know that at the time that I ask for it, but God does.  He says ‘no’ and it can feel cruel.  In my 60+ years of living with Jesus, there are things I have begged God for.  He took nearly 30 years to grant one of them.  When He did, His glorious light broke through brilliantly.  Only in hindsight can I see that He was gracious when He withheld.  This review strengthens me for the next battle of faith.

Each of us has unanswered prayers.  God’s generosity is perhaps in question.  As one who has survived some dark nights and enjoyed some brilliant spiritual mornings, let me put my arm around you and encourage you by telling you that God is passionate about you and what you need.  Whatever He gives, or withholds, His generosity is still in motion.  He longs to be gracious to you and is, in fact, doing so at this very moment.

Be careful that an enemy who preys on the vulnerable does not extinguish your faith.  Decisions made in pain are usually bad ones. Satan knows that and will suggest that God is mutinous when it appears you have solid proof of it.  God’s character is not changed by circumstances or my accusations.

Nothing is too much to ask of God.  Ask.  And while you wait, know that extravagant grace is crafting your answer and your provision.

In a world that gives its sons and daughters away carelessly, you gave your Son, the One most precious to you.  I pray this assurance goes deep into my heart.  Amen