August 6, 2025

Whistlestop is a toy store in St. Clair Shores where several students from the church have worked. It also has a train that runs around the store suspended from the ceiling and train supplies. It is a great place for kids.

The other day I had my grandson Levi in the car with me and he said, “Papa, I’ve been thinking about going to Whistlestop.”  “Oh, you have?” I responded. “And why have you been thinking about going there?”  The answer was obvious. He knew that if I took him to Whistlestop that he would not walk out empty-handed. He was so confident in that outcome that he was willing to ask kindly and yet confidently. I loved it. I loved the fact that he knew I loved him and he knew he could ask and not be rejected. He knew that he could ask and would get a generous response.

“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11)

As we continued down the road, I thought that Levi’s attitude was precisely the attitude we should have toward God. We should pray with confidence in his goodness, generosity, and delight to care for his children and give us what we ask for, assuming it is in accordance with his will.  Don’t let that last phrase (“in accordance with his will”) trip you up.  If God does not give us what we ask for, it is only because what he gives is even better, even if we don’t understand in the moment. God is incapable of doing anything other than good for you.

So, did we go to Whistlestop?  Did he get a new toy?  Not that day.  You see, he did not know it, but I was taking him to the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village where he would see really big “toys” and even larger train displays and then get to ride an actual train and carousel. We had such a good time, he forgot all about Whistlestop that day.

Have you talked with your good Father today? Do you trust his generous heart enough to ask him with confidence for your needs?  He delights in that.

Grace and peace,

Bob

Sunday’s Text: Luke 13:6-9