Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? … 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 good gifts to those who ask him!

(Matthew 7:9,11, NIV)

One evening, a three-year-old boy was told multiple times to get ready for bed.  After one final, more urgent reminder from his mom, he stood at attention and said, “Yes, Sir!”

Mom gently corrected him. “You would say ‘sir’ to a man. I’m a lady, so you say ‘Yes, Ma’am.’” Wanting to reinforce the lesson, she quizzed him:

“What would you say to Daddy?” “Yes, Sir!” 

“What would you say to Mama?” “Yes, Ma’am!” 

“Good! Now, what would you say to Grandma?”

The boy’s face lit up. “Can I have a cookie?”

That boy may not have memorized all the rules of etiquette, but he knew one thing for sure—Grandma is where the cookies come from.  And if you’ve ever been a grandparent (or known one), you understand that cookies aren’t just about snacking; they’re a way to express love.

We are reminded that God invites us to relate to him, not just as a distant authority figure, but as a Father who delights in giving good gifts. Jesus pointed out that even flawed human parents instinctively want to meet their children’s needs and bring them joy.  If that’s true for us, how much more can we rely on our perfect heavenly Father to provide exactly what’s best for us?

God doesn’t roll his eyes when you bring your requests to him. He welcomes us as we bring him our needs, our hopes, and yes — even our silly cookie-sized requests.

Childlike faith means coming to God with open hands and an open heart, confident that he is both able and eager to help. It means trusting that his answer — whether it’s yes, no, or not yet — comes from a heart of love.

So, don’t be afraid to ask.  Your heavenly Father is generous and kind.

Prayer: Father, thank you for being generous and kind. Remind me that I can come to you with everything — my needs, my fears, and even my lighthearted desires. Grow in me a faith that trusts you the way a child trusts a good parent.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day