Fr. Larry Richards tells a very powerful story of God’s abundant love. The night before he was to be ordained a priest, he was wrestling mightily with the vow of celibacy he was going to have to take the next day. It was not the sexual temptations that were causing him the greatest struggle. It was his having to give up his strong lifelong desire to have his own children. He wrestled with this dilemma all night. Finally, he came to peace with his vow. He told God that if God wanted him to be a priest then he was willing to give his entire life up to Him, including his deep desire for his own children. He was all in.

The next day, the 140 kids that were in the youth group at his parish gave him an ordination gift. It was a St. Christopher medal. On the back was an inscription that read:

                                                                            October 15, 1988
                                                                            Congratulations!
                                                                               We Love you,
                                                                                Larry’s Kids

Fr. Larry was dumbfounded. God heard his cry and gave him over 140 kids for him to love and look after! This story underscores the lesson that we can never outdo God in generosity. He knows the deepest yearnings of our heart. When we struggle and suffer to be faithful and do His will, he will bless us more abundantly than we can ever imagine.

If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him! – Matthew 7:11

Originally posted 2014-10-01 06:00:19.