My Gift

While taking my morning walk, I noticed that the trees along the sidewalk had a U-shaped cut out from their crowns down to several feet above the top of the trunks. Upon further observation, I realized that the cutting had been done to facilitate power lines passing through them. The houses along the way, as well as the street lights, got their electricity from those lines.

As I pondered the view, I seemed to hear a soft, inner whisper: “That’s what I want from you—your heart.” The phrase “Give me thine heart,” from the book of Proverbs, immediately came to mind. Suddenly, my thoughts seemed to tumble over one another.

 The trees had no choice in the “heart” of their crowns being removed for the electric company’s purpose. There was no benefit for the tree. On the other hand, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take the punishment for my sins. Then He grafted me into His family. By believing and accepting Jesus—giving Him my heart—I become His child.

Unlike the tree trimmer, though, God gives me a choice when He says, “Give me . . .” I could hear Him continuing, “Love gives. I gave.” And I thought, He gave me His best gift—His only Son. Now it’s my turn. He is asking for my gift—my heart, the center of my whole being. But why this inquiry now? I surrendered my life to You a long time ago, Lord. Why this request now?

 My question led me to reflect further on how, as a consequence of recently submitting my retirement letter, I had been plagued with uncertainties. Will I be able to sustain my daughter in college and continue meeting my living expenses? Will I be able to keep on participating in mission trips and helping international students with their college expenses? Will I . . . ? Will I . . . ? As a result of these uncertainties, my prayers had become, Lord, please . . . ! Lord, please . . . !

 Now He was telling me, “Enough already! Get rid of your doubt.” Then He directed my attention to my gift to Him—my heart. Through the promise in Ezekiel 36:26–30, He reminded me He could not only exchange my fearful, faithless heart for a new one but also give me a new spirit that would empower me and establish my heart. He could give me rest. Finally, He pointed my thoughts to His promise in Philippians 4:19—He would supply all my need.

 What loving promises God has given us! Forgive me, Father, and help Thou my unbelief.

Florence E. Callender