He wants to give us much better gifts.

A key step in my journey of coming to faith in Christ was the realization that, contrary to my previously held beliefs, obeying God's word would bring me fulfillment, joy, wisdom, and LIFE.

I used to believe, and sometimes still struggle with believing, that following God's word would DEPRIVE me of the things I desired.

[[ Well, I guess I should say that there's actually some truth to that...! ]]

But here's the important caveat, what I've learned is that God does not ask us to lay down things we desire to deprive us, but rather TO GIVE US MUCH BETTER GIFTS.

Here is a vision a friend once shared:

She was wearing a long old coat and it was very cold outside. She wrapped her arms around herself and was so thankful to have the coat. Then God asked her to take off the coat and give it to Him. 

She was upset.

She was mad!

She was thankful for the coat and loved it and did not want to take it off on this very cold day!! She would be cold without her coat! Why would God ask her to do this? 

After some coaxing, she somewhat regretfully took off the coat and handed it to God.

He then wrapped her in the softest, warmest, most luxurious coat you can imagine. 

She received the beautiful new coat with surprise and joy. And then she understood.  

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I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.

Jesus' words from John 10:10

Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart

Psalm 37:4

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What has God asked you to take off that you want to hold onto? It is impossible to imagine what blessings He wants to give you that you will not be able to receive until you let go.