She was inconsolable as she told me her story.

He told her that he loved her. He was rich, and handsome, and traveled the world. He told her that he loved her and he promised her the world. She had been told that he wanted nothing more than to be with her but his business had run into a little financial hardship and the only way he could make the trip across the pond would be if she lent him some money. He would return it. Promise. With interest. With the money she would lend, he would get his house in order and then they would be together forever. He promised. She believed him. She had been the victim of a scam.

It was a heart wrenching story to hear.

Professional scammers taking advantage of unsuspecting individuals. Unfortunately, it happens all the time.

Have you ever been scammed? Maybe not in the same way as the individual above, but an unfulfilled promise nonetheless. You were promised something good only to have it turn out very bad. It is a horrible feeling.

James 1:17. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

God promises good and perfect gifts. And God’s promises never return void. God’s promises never fail.

Honestly, there are some times in my life when I feel very connected to God and I feel like my faith is strong. I feel good and grounded and “I can” is my mantra. And then there are other times in my life when I don’t feel as connected. I am discouraged and sometimes to the point of losing hope by all that this world is throwing at me. This scripture is a beautiful reminder to dwell on the good things we have and know that they come for our good God and Father.

You know that sensation you get when it is the hottest day of the summer and you finally get to enjoy that thirst quenching glass of cold water. Or, that feeling that rises up inside your heart when you hear a little baby belly laughing. Or when you cross off the last things on your to do list and you still have time leftover to do something fun or relax! All of those things are gifts from the Father, who loves us, who give us really good and perfect gifts and who never ever changes or fails.

I pray you see more of God’s good gifts today.