Kara and April left central Rus- sia and travelled across six time zones to attend a retreat in Tallinn, Estonia, for women serving the Lord in Eastern Europe. Because of foggy airports and diverted flights, they had to spend a large amount of extra money on airport expenses. Kara felt guilty about leaving her husband to care for their two young children and to run their ministry. The unplanned financial burden added to her guilt, and she emailed her husband that she was having difficulty enjoying the retreat.

He told her not to worry about the extravagance and said, “God is, after all, the God who made us heirs with Him and co-heirs with Christ. The God who gave Eve to Adam. The Father who loves to give good gifts to His children. Heaven is the ultimate of this . . . but I also think that He has given us gifts to be enjoyed—and a time to enjoy them. And this time, for you, is now. Don’t worry—sacrifice is waiting for you aplenty when you get home.” We can benefit from his response.

As Kara was able then to enjoy the retreat, we too as God’s children can let ourselves enjoy without guilt the good things He sends our way (1 Tim. 6:17). We, in turn, can use those good gifts to bless others.

Author

David C. Egner

Topics

Our Daily Bread