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

God’s generosity has no hidden boundaries where love stops and withholding begins. Yet, I can still believe that He is stingy.  When I really need something and God fails to provide it, I can question His goodness.  Complicating this is the fact that I often ask for what is not good for me.  I don’t know that when I ask for it, but God does.  In my 70+ years of living life with Jesus, there are longings I have expressed over the years.  But God sees what I cannot see. He knows the hidden consequences and the spiritual dangers. There is mercy concealed inside the denial.

All of us carry unanswered prayers. God’s goodness might be on trial, albeit quietly. There are requests we barely know how to name anymore because the disappointment has lived so long. There are dreams we have wrapped in silence because hope is too painful to keep resurrecting.

As one who has known dark nights of the soul, let me put my arms around you and assure you that God is passionate about you. He is not unmoved by your tears. He desires to bless you. And even now, though you may not yet see it, He is being gracious.

But be careful. The enemy preys on the vulnerable. He waits for the hour when pain has made us tired and disappointment has made us suspicious. Then he whispers that God is mutinous against His own promises. And because our circumstances appear to offer evidence of proof, the lie can feel ironclad. We must be convinced that pain is a dangerous counselor. Decisions made in anguish are often decisions we later grieve. God’s character is not altered by our circumstances and His goodness is not diminished by our accusations.

While we wait, we are encouraged to anchor our souls in the truth that extravagant grace is not absent. It is actually shaping our provision and preparing us for what will spiritually prosper us.

Teach me to trust Your generosity. Keep me verbal and believing in hope. Amen