My first son, John was home in February to join in the celebration of my 60th birthday and also participate in the traditional wedding of his sister, Comfort. On few occasions, he informed me that he would pass the night with friends so he could catch up with developments. Every time he was to make an outing, I volunteered a vehicle for him to use. I realized that something had changed. Years earlier, I would hide the keys from him. This time around I gave him the vehicle even when he did not ask for it.
This brings me to the inheritance of the saints. The blessings of God for us are both temporal and spiritual; they apply to the present time and eternity. However, conditions apply before we can begin to enjoy these blessings, particularly the temporal aspect of His grace. In Acts 20:32 there is a building up before inheritance is ceded. In the loving heart of the Father, He is constantly thinking of safety for His children. As such He doesn’t rush to give what His children ask for in prayer; He considers what they are capable of handling without causing injury to their soul. If this rule is reversed it can only be at the peril of the benefactor. The prodigal son once approached his father and said, “give me”. He had his wish granted; but he plunged himself into great suffering and sorrow when what he had been given was spent carelessly. When he returned to his father, a great change had occurred. He no longer asked, “give me”, rather he said, “make me”. He ended up where he ought to have started from. Therefore, when believers work on themselves and move towards maturity, they fast track their way to the blessing of God. At maturity, there are many things that we will readily access without begging for them.