A few years ago, in the middle of October, a Christmas catalog arrived in our mailbox from a popular toy company promoting all of the new, now trending, latest need-to-have toys. As I scanned through the pages I was surprised by the discovery of a set of “Hint Stickers” tucked tightly into the middle pages of the catalog. Never before had I seen, Hint Stickers, placed in a toy book. Clever, huh? How handy for children (and some adults) to have—at their disposal—a sticker to point out the perfect gift they hoped to find under the Christmas tree. One said, “Pleeeeeease!” Another said, “Hint, hint, hint!” and the last one simply said, “I really want this!” There was even a line to place your initials. They had thought of everything!
Hint Stickers. It occurred to me how handy they would be during my Bible reading time. I could use them to remind myself of the gifts, lessons, and identity God intended for me to discover within the pages.
Such as when I read the story of Jairus, the father who came to Jesus and falling at his feet begged him for the healing of his daughter. As they walked to his home the report came, “Your daughter has died; why bother the Teacher any longer” (Mark 5:35)? Reading Jesus’ answer to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; only keep on believing [in Me and my power]”(vs.36, AMP) makes me want to place the Hint Sticker, “I really want this!” next to it. I really want the faith to believe in Jesus and His power regardless of the report.
I’d place Hint Sticker, “Pleeeeeease!” among the story of Peter walking on the water. I want to be like Peter and step out of the boat when Jesus invites me to “Come.” I want to remain focused on Him as I walk on whatever seems to be the impossible task at that moment. I don’t want to allow fear to cause my eyes to look away when the wind and waves pick up. Pleeeeeease! Give me great faith, not little (Matthew 14:28-33). I don’t want Jesus to ask, “Why did you doubt?”
And then there is the “Hint, hint, hint!” sticker. Oh. My. Goodness. How will I choose? There are several verses I’d slap that sticker on. Psalm 20:4 for instance, “May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose.” Yes, please, Lord! Help my heart’s desire be according to Your plan so I may fulfill ALL my purpose.
Where might God place His Hint Stickers? Would He place the “Pleeeeeeease!” next to Isaiah 9: 6 which foretold of the Son who would be given? As if to say, “Pleeeeeeease pay attention!” The Gift is on the way.
It wouldn’t surprise me to find the “Hint, hint, hint” sticker next to Luke 2:12, “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (NIV).
We might discover He placed, “I really want this!” beside Isaiah 9:7 because it says, “the zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this” (NIV). He must really want it if He intends to accomplish it, don’t you think?
Hint, hint, hint
Pleeeeeease
I really want this
Let’s not become so focused on our own Hint Stickers that we fail to recognize His. As you pursue Him throughout this Christmas Season remember, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NIV).
He is the best Gift-giver.
Merry Christmas and Blessed 2018 to you and your family!
#BeYou
A-Appreciate the GiftVisit Kolleen’s website for more inspiration and encouragement: http://www.speakkolleen.com/ and Twitter @KolleenABCGirl
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