There was once a little girl who had a set of fake pearls. This little girl loved her necklace more than anything she possessed.

One night when her father was tucking her into bed, he kissed her on the forehead then asked, "Do you love me?"

"Of course I do, Daddy. You know that," the little girl squeezed his neck.

"Do you love me enough to give me your pearl necklace," he inquired.

She didn't understand. Why would her daddy want her to give up her necklace? Didn't he know how much she loved those pearls?

Several nights passed and each night her father would ask her the same question. "Do you love me more than that pearl necklace...Would you give it up for me?"

One night when the Father entered the room, the little girl was sitting up in bed waiting for him. She looked distraught, yet very determined. Her Father sat on the bed next to her.

She looked up at him with tears streaming down her face, "Daddy, I do love you... I love you more than my pearls..."

She opened her little hand and in it laid her prized possession.

Her Father took those beads ever so lovingly then reached into his pocket and pulled out a velvet box. The little girl opened the box and pulled out a beautiful strand of REAL pearls. The little girl smiled through her tears and hugged her daddy. These pearls were far more beautiful and precious than her fake beads, and her daddy had just been waiting for her to give up her fake ones.

I challenge you today to always let go of whatever is hindering you from receiving God's best for your life. Sometimes our "fake pearls" can simply be what we believe is best for our lives or those "fake pearls" can be inflicted by the world but accepted as our reality.

In Isaiah 61:3, a beautiful "exchange" is described. The Lord indeed wants to give you "a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."  When you give Him everything - your hopes, your dreams, and even your fears - He'll give you the real deal!

Dear Lord, forgive me for times that I have held on to things that weren't reflective of the best promises You have for my life. Help me to always let go so that I am prepared to receive Your goodness!

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.