The Generosity of GodSample

The Good Gift of a Wife

Adam must have walked circles around the garden looking for his companion. Every tree that was pleasing to the eye and good for food was his home. The sweetness of every ripe fruit was his food. Eden was a flood of colors and flavors.

He was also engaged in interesting work. Adam was creating language as he named each of the animals. This was better than a zoo or a safari. All the majestic and marvelous animals God made were at peace with him.

But even with all of that, Adam felt his need for a companion. He saw how the animals paired up, but there was no one for him. Then, God performed the first surgery, removing one of Adam’s ribs to sculpt a woman. Eve was the masterpiece of God’s six days of creation, and Adam knew it. At their first meeting, Adam broke into a song or poem. The romantic side of man woke up.

I have an imagination for what Adam must have felt. On this day, twenty-two years ago, I stood in a small garden wearing a tuxedo, waiting to see my wife. Photographers call it “the first look.” It was my first chance to see Renée dressed in white, radiant, gorgeous, just for me. The wedding was still a few hours away, and we were about to gallivant around the city taking photos before everyone arrived. But first we met in private in a beautiful garden. Even now, when I close my eyes, I can picture that breath-taking moment.

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.

An excellent wife is one of God’s highest gifts. She is far more precious than jewels. Her worth is greater than gold. A man who finds her didn’t do it alone. He obtains favor from the Lord. God himself has been the unseen giver, the hidden matchmaker.

What God did for Adam, he is still doing today. He sees our longing for godly companionship, and he generously provides. His plans and timing are tailor-made. God parents each of his children differently, but his character remains the same.

Oh, the wisdom and wonder of God! He provides and he delays. He gives and he takes away. But he never changes and never fails. In every season, God is good and he is trustworthy. And above every gift he gives, God is always better.