Free Gift!

Have you ever received an email that said in bold letters: “FREE GIFT.” All you had to do was click on the button and you would receive it. Really? Would anyone in 2019 actually click on that button? Wouldn’t you be suspicious about what would happen next? Could it be a “phishing” trap?

Face it, us Americans have been deceived far too many times by unscrupulous phone calls, letters in the mail, and “friends” in need. After a while, we have become wary of the word “free.” Which brings me to an experience I had recently at a locally owned convenience store on FM 359.

It was a Saturday morning about 9:30 AM. Typically, the owner greets each customer as they come and go. He is friendly, helpful, and always cheerful. A young dad came in with his well-behaved four-year old daughter and introduced her to the kind owner.

The owner said to the little girl, “I am so glad you came to my store. I would like to give you a gift. You can have anything you want for free. It is my gift to you.” Now, everyone in the store stopped whatever they were doing, to see what the girl would select. WOW! What an offer.

The father was surprised and actually stepped back from the child to see for himself what she would do. Was this a trick or some new sales gimmick? The place went stone quiet.

The little girl wasted no time. She quickly looked around, and then pointed to an ice cream bar in the freezer. The owner looked at the dad for approval, and then handed it to the girl. She thanked the owner and started eating it with great delight. How innocent. How beautiful. And what an illustration for us cynical adults.

That little girl totally trusted the owner to keep his word. She didn’t doubt or ask for assurances. She just believed him and acted on that belief. When she pointed at the ice cream, she knew that it was going to be hers. This is how faith works.

In the Bible, God has made some amazing promises to us. Some of those wonderful promises are: Salvation through Christ (Mark 16:16); Eternal life (John 10:27, 28); All Scripture is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16); God will supply every need (Philippians 4:19); His Grace is enough (2 Corinthians 12:9); We can defeat temptation (Jude 24); Victory over death (1 Corinthians 15:4, 57); and many more (2 Corinthians 1:20).

God can keep those promises because He is the “Owner” of the “store.” Everything in His “store” belongs to Him. He spoke it all into existence. His word is powerful, creative, and enough. Nothing is too hard for God (Jeremiah 32:27). So, if God said it, that settles it, whether you believe it or not.

So, if you choose to believe God’s promises, faith acts with innocent trust. Like the little girl, simply believe the “Owner,” and proceed with confidence. As the old hymn by Russell Carter says, “Standing on the promises that cannot fail, When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, By the living Word of God I shall prevail, Standing on the promises of God.”

Accept your free gift, today!