Something we all love to see is an over-the-top gift to a person who didn’t expect it and didn’t earn it. Viral videos of extreme generosity are some of the most watched on YouTube. Oprah’s 2004 extravagant act of generosity has become so etched into the fabric of our society that nearly 20 years later, the phrase, “You get a car, and you get a car!” has become part of our normal American vernacular.

We love to see people get a gift they don’t deserve; there is something fun about it. Generosity sparks joy at the very core of our being because we were created by an abundantly generous heavenly Father. He delights in giving good gifts to His children, and when we see undeserved generosity, it reflects the very heart of God.

While it would be incredible to be one of the few who have been given $10,000 or a new car, God has something so much better planned for us! God desires to give us a gift that would not only change a part of our lives but transform the very core of who we are. Jesus said, “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will he give him a scorpion? 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 the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:11-13).

God delights in giving amazing gifts to His children, and the best gift any of us could ever be given is the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is in His presence we find joy, peace, wisdom, and access to His endless power! It is through the Holy Spirit that God not only answers our prayers but changes us to become more like Him. As we seek Him, the Holy Spirit transforms our hearts so that God not only changes our situation, but He changes us.

The amazing part is that this promise isn’t for the lucky few who happen to be in the right place at the right time but for all who would ask. His presence is not something we can earn or that we deserve, but a gift our wonderfully gracious God desires to give us!

As we approach the end of this fast, rest in the fact that God is good, and He desires to give good gifts to His children. He is changing you and working in every situation because He is a generous God who gives over-the-top blessings to all.

Scriptures

Luke 11:11-13 (NIV)
“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for[a] a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 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 the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”