All Yours—Take Them!

One summer afternoon I flew from Huntsville, Alabama, to Miami, Florida, both in the United States of America. My flight was delayed many times, so I arrived early in the morning the next day. When I approached the welcome desk at the rental car office, weary and worried, the young attendant told me that my car was no longer available.

Instead, there was a Mustang convertible that I could have for the same price as the inexpensive car I had originally rented. It was a “great upgrade and a fantastic deal for me as a regular customer,” he enthused with a smile. He seemed quite certain that I would be delighted to drive such a fast car. I had never driven a Mustang, and the extravagant, white two-door convertible felt strange to me. With great trepidation, I drove the few miles to my hotel, where the attendant was quite impressed with the beautiful car.

As I struggled to maneuver the car through the six-floor parking lot, I worried about having an accident. In the end, I decided to park it and catch an Uber ride back and forth to my work assignment the next day. The fancy car would stay in the garage until I turned it back in safely. Before I fell asleep, my mind turned to the decision to park and leave the car in the garage. I felt convicted it had not been a wise decision.

I thought about instances when I had a wonderful opportunity made available to me, yet I always followed the futile, safe path. God promises freedom, but frequently, I choose fear. He offers abundant life, but sometimes I prefer the enemy’s lies.

Many times I obsess over my faults instead of receiving God’s forgiveness. The sovereign and omnipotent God wants to give me the best, like the Mustang in the garage, but I reach for less. Often, I think I do not deserve the Lord’s blessings, and I need the Holy Spirit to remind me that I owe everything to Christ alone. If you struggle to accept and receive the gifts God has for you, I pray you will take hold of them by faith in the One who has paid it all for you. If God is pointing you to a path that seems out of your league, walk boldly toward His purpose for you. God has blessings and favors for you, my sisters. Look for them.

Claim them. Enjoy them—they are His gift to you!

Rose Joseph Thomas