The Best Gift Anyone Can Receive

“It’s God’s nature to make something out of nothing. That’s why God cannot make anything out of him who is not yet nothing.”

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I was looking for this little quote to pass along to someone and I realized how long I’ve had it in my Bible. I’ve had this little note in my Bible for 30 years. 30 years! Where has the time gone? My husband gave me this Bible the year before we married at Christmas. He also has one that matches mine. It was to symbolize what would be the foundation of our marriage. It was so beautiful and perfect when I received it. The cover was clean burgundy leather with gold trim on the ends of the pages! I was so careful with it for a long time because the one I loved had given me such an expensive and precious gift.

Of course, it doesn’t look as beautiful as when it was new, but it has an intangible beauty that the exterior doesn’t convey to anyone but me; for inside it tells my life story. Early on, I started to insert important items in my Bible: notes from sermons, important events, prayer requests, even notes and pictures from my kids. These items represent times of hurt and desperation, conviction and forgiveness, as well as times of joy and new birth.

The exterior of my Bible isn’t “new” anymore, but the inside is where the real story is - the story of what God has done in my life.

My brother, Glenn, once told me that “Walking with God is an adventure,” and he was right. That’s exactly what my life has been, an adventure with God! His Word has been with me in the adventure and the foundational footings that I have built my life upon. It’s been “a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

I have found that everything I have ever needed God has provided in His Word. The wisdom, the comfort, the applicable life lessons, even how to raise children and love my husband has been written down for me to access. God is never silent (although sometimes we think He is), for we have His Word. He is always desiring to speak to us and communicate relevant truth to us. Even as I say that I recognize what an understatement that is! “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Out of love, Dean gave me this Bible for our lives together. Out of love, God has also given us His Word for our journey. I’m so glad I didn’t just look at the burgundy and gold gift all those years ago and put it on the shelf. Oh, it likely would have looked better than what it does today, but I have found that what’s inside is the REAL gift. It tells of God’s love story and mine.

Meet the Author

Hey, nice to meet you! I'm Annie, a woman who has various titles; Nurse, Educator, wife and mother, but none more important than Christ follower! Thank you for taking the time to read the words that the Lord has planted on my heart. May you feel encouraged and inspired!