His girl
There are so many amazing women in the Bible. In spite of the stories being recorded during times when women were culturally considered less important, God made a point of letting us know he knew each name. I have been reading through the Old Testament and time after time God reminds me that each name - female and male - is included on purpose.
God doesn’t dabble in happy accidents.
Every word and every moment have a purpose.
Even a short verse or two that seem like sidenotes can carry a powerful punch of impact. Acsah appears to be just such a sidenote.
She was the daughter of Caleb. Caleb the brave man who stood in faith alongside Joshua as the majority of the spies chose to fear people more than the LORD (Numbers 13). Caleb was rewarded for his courage and became a great warrior and leader within the ranks of Israel. Yet to Acsah, he was Daddy. Not in the spoiled-brat kind of way though. She respected him deeply (apparently that’s why the dismounting the donkey part is included in their story). She also knew she could approach him in spite of the fear he struck in others.
She was confident in her dad’s desire to bless her and comfortable enough in their relationship to not fear asking for more. She approached him and respectfully asked for springs of water to go with the land she and her husband had already received as a wedding gift. Keep in mind, this means she is asking for more land that also has precious fresh, healthy water along with it. This would have been a high-dollar asset. Caleb doesn’t scold her for being greedy. No, he gives her not just one, but two springs!
As I read that a few weeks ago, it was as if God whispered directly to my heart,
“You’re my girl, so why not ask me for more and see how I respond?”
I’m crazy blessed and have felt before like asking for more would be ungrateful. Yet, here I was seeing a clear picture of a daddy-daughter relationship where God reflects his character and heart back to me. I can see him smiling as I look around and think through all the awesome gifts he has already given me. Then, he tilts his head back in a jovial laugh and says, “Honey, there’s so much more where that came from!” Like an excited child, I lean in and ask, “Daddy, can I have that too?!”
Two scriptures directly from the mouth of Jesus tickle at my heart:
“So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” (Matthew 7:11)
“Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.” (John 7:37b-38)
God wants us to ask because he wants to lavish his love on us.
We don’t need to feel sheepish about asking for what we want. He’s our dad and a good, good dad he is. There’s no need to worry that our asks will be wrong or misdirected. He is big enough to know when the answer should be absolutely, wait a bit or let’s do this instead. All we need to know is he wants us to come. He welcomes our requests. He loves us and sees each of us as His girl.
Have you been timid about asking for more? See yourself today as his girl and feel his heart to give you more than you’ve ever dared to dream. Go ahead sweet sister, ask and see what our Good Father has in store for you.
Word to Know:
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Ephesians 3:20
My prayer (you’re welcome to make it your own or simply join in)
God, thanks for all you have given me. Even on the hard days, I am crazy blessed because you chose me. But you didn’t stop there. I forget how much you love me and that you want to lavish your love on me. There are things I hesitate to ask for fear I’m not asking what is best or what would please you, but you are bigger than my ability to know what I need or even want. So, remove that fear and help me to live in your love. Give me courage to ask big, believe big and live in your big, lavish love. I get excited thinking about all I am in you and that you want to use and love on me. You really are a great Father. I love you!
Dig Deeper:
Check out the story of Acsah and Caleb here Joshua 15:13-19. Then, explore more of the complete picture in Matthew 7:7-11, John 7:37-39 and Ephesians 3!
