What Do You Feed 19 Kids?

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?  If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:9-10 NIV

Limited population growth is being advocated world wide because of growing scarcity of resources. Besides the cost of food, clothing, health care and shelter, parents are also concerned about the cost and availibility of good educational resources. Then many parents have unfulfilled goals they have set aside until the children are grown such as career development, continuing education, travel, pursuing a risky career move, etc. Each family has their own list of reasons to limit the size of the family. 

"What's for breakfast?" This was the theme of the Today show this morning as they visited the Duggan family in Arkansas. This is the family with 19 children and now the older ones are marrying and starting their own families. Just imagine how many eggs were colored and hidden in the yard for Easter egg finding. This family seems to be managing its growth financially and with open arms. They admit to having faith that the Lord will provide and he is doing just that. So why can't everyone believe that the Lord will gift us in caring for our families?

When we depend strictly on our own resources and think selfishly of ourselves, we indeed  need to worry about how we will manage. In doing so, we are limiting what God can give us. He is better than the bank because the gifts he gives are given freely with no interest charged. When we give our children everything they ask for, but don't give them God as their resource for all good gifts, we are depriving them of the greatest gift we can give them for living a good life...Jesus and the cross. 

Therefore when planning a family and how we will feed them, remember it's about more than just nourishment. They need nurturing which comes through love...the love of God through his son, Jesus. Feed your family on trust and faith. Believe that our Father in heaven will give us more than we ask.

"Father in heaven, give us faith and confidence that in whatever situation we are in need that we will depend on  your gifts to sustain and satisfy us. Help us to provide for the needs of our families by placing you in the center."