James 1:17 (NIV)
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Our God is an amazing God!  He is a God with an abundance of mercy, grace, and compassion.  He is love.  He never leaves us nor forsakes us.  He sent His Son, Jesus, into this world knowing He would die an excruciating death on the cross so we may have the hope of salvation.  He continually showers us with blessings.  He is just.  He is sovereign.  He is majestic.  He is all of this and so much more. 

I remember years ago when my mom was transitioning from her home to assisted living.  At that time, my dad had been deceased 17 years.  When he passed, I had been saved only 18 months so I did not have much time, or courage, to witness to him.  He was a great dad but I was concerned he was not saved.  He never went to church though he always made sure I attended.  I never saw him read Scripture though perhaps he read it everyday.  

I vividly remember having conversations with my aunt (my dad’s sister-in-law) about his salvation.  She tried to assure me at the time that he was saved; that he read his Bible daily.  I had serious doubts about that but what could I do?  My hope was that Dad knew the Lord. Hope was the only thing I could really cling to that gave me any measure of peace.

So, years later I was at Mom’s home with my wife clearing out tons of stuff as she was preparing to enter into assisted living.  On this one day, I was in her bedroom closet and discovered a cedar box buried deep in the back.  I recall thinking that important documents or treasures must be in this box as I opened its lid for the first time in my life.  Along with car notes, deeds, pictures, and other things, I came upon the prized jewel; a baptism certificate that had my dad’s full name on it, the date of his baptism, and the proclamation that he had received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior!  I was so excited!  I called out my wife’s name who was in a different part of the home.  She ran in and I shared this great news.  As it turns out, my aunt was right!  I was three years old when Dad was saved.  Suffice it to say that he kept his faith very private.  

A dear friend of mine calls this type of experience “hugs from heaven”.  Indeed, that was a good and perfect gift from above.  I do not know why it took me 17 years to discover this golden nugget, but I know that God’s timing is always perfect. 

How has God been good to you?  What treasure did He give you one unexpected day that literally changed your life and blessed you beyond measure.   Share your story with others and, in doing so, give glory to God!

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