When you think about the Father, how do you see Him? I think sometimes we read this verse and just pass right over it. Of course a father isn't going to give his hungry son a stone instead of bread! Of course a father isn't going to give his child something that could harm him! We just wouldn't do that!

Jesus takes this idea further: "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!"

Beloved, how often have you failed to ask the Father for something because you were afraid of what His answer might be? Let that sink in for a moment. Are there any areas of unbelief in your heart, or times in your life when you believe that God doesn't want the best for you? That lie has been floating around since the Garden of Eden, when Satan said to Eve, "Did God actually say...?" (Gen 3:1) The devil is always looking for ways to convince you that God doesn't love you.

Beloved, God is a good Father. James 1:17 tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from our Father of lights. He is neither deceitful nor fickle. If you are still suffering from the wounds of your father, you don't have to be afraid. The Father isn't going to give you a stone if you're hungry. If you ask for a fish, He isn't going to give you a scorpion. Even if you had a great dad who knew how to give you good gifts, the Father wants you to know He has so much more in store for you. 

Father, I want You to be my Father. I ask that You open my heart to know You as the good Father that You are. Heal my wounds and help me to know that I can trust You. In Jesus' name, Amen!