PAPA REFLECTION BY MEMBER, DECEMBER 21, 2025

Reading 1

Isaiah 7:10-14

The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying: Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the netherworld, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered, "I will not ask!  I will not tempt the LORD!" Then Isaiah said: Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary people, must you also weary my God? Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.

REFLECTION

“…let it be deep as Sheol, or high as the sky!” This scripture speaks to me. As our family grew bigger than we could fit into our 4-door sedan, Theresa and I needed to buy an 8 passenger station wagon. In the dealer showroom was a beautiful, loaded, Buick station wagon - beyond our budget.  We wanted it but Theresa left the decision up to me and would support whatever it was. She was a young woman with great faith. 

In a silent dialogue with God, I said, "Lord we've been open to having as many children as you want to bless us with, and you know we need a bigger car." This was a new car, not only bigger, but it had beautiful trim, inside and out. I didn't think we were testing the Lord, rather, I believed He was delighted to  give his children what they needed ‘according to their faith in Him’. I was not going to impose my own limitations on His greatness; I trusted God would provide. Theresa agreed. We bought it and drove the car off the dealership lot with all our children on board, and as we did, we explained to them that God would provide for our needs according to our faith. 

Within a few days, I got a job promotion and one of the biggest pay increases of my career! Theresa and I were thrilled as we praised God! 

We learned that we can believe that we are paupers or we can believe that we are His children and that He delights in giving us what we need according to our faith.

I hope to share another story soon to show how discernment and faith compliment each other.