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Ice cream blessings

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — My wife and I have taught our four daughters that the Lord blesses those who help the poor. “According to Deuteronomy 15,” we’ve said, “what you do for the poor and suffering, God will do for you.”

Our 7-year-old, Haly, has been listening. Recently we were riding in the car and she blurted, “Dad, I think God wants me to have an ice cream cone.”

I replied, “What makes you think that?”

“You said if I gave my allowance to Convoy of Hope [to help the poor] that God would give back to me. And I want an ice cream cone.”

Needless to say, we’re still working on Haly’s theology. 

It was the perfect opportunity to explain to her that we don’t give so we can get. We give because we love the Lord and want to partner with Him to help people who are hungry and in need. Nevertheless, I assured Haly she can count on God to take care of her if she takes care of the poor and suffering.

For Haly, God’s blessing was an ice cream cone. For some, God’s blessing is strictly defined by the size of their bank account, the square footage of their home, or the make and model of their car. 

We need to embrace a broader view of God’s blessing. His favor — as demonstrated by His presence and power — brings peace, joy and fulfillment to our lives. That’s the blessing we should seek more than any other.

God has nothing against blessing us with ice cream cones or finances. But He wants us to understand His favor is often not measured by what we possess; it’s measured by how much He enables us to give away.

Hal Donaldson

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