Holiday shoppers seem to fall into two camps—one that starts their shopping early (or all year round), like in August, while the other rushes around at the end, two weeks before Christmas. Choosing gifts for others seems to get harder by the year since most people can buy what they need when they need it. Prices are sky-high around the holidays, too. The commercialism of it all is just too much (and I’m a gal who appreciates the finer material things in life). However, I do think it’s great that this commercialized holiday of Jesus encourages others to give, because giving (in all ways, not just special trinkets) is the hallmark of Christ. He died to give us so many things, big and small.

If shopping is stressful for you, or you don’t know what to buy for that special person in your life, here’s an easy fix. Pray on it. Ask Jesus to lead you to the right gift at the right price point, and He will. I do it all the time and am amazed by the treasures I find for people. I love to give and choose special presents for others –it comes natural. But sometimes I need extra help from the Lord, and I tend to burn out toward the end of the holiday season. Those who walk in the Giver anointing probably feel my pain, lol. We give all year round and are excited to give more during the holidays, but we get tired. Most of us have finished our shopping, but there is still plenty to wrap, deliver, and those last-minute purchases that the Holy Spirit reminds us to fulfill. In fact, He dropped a few extra peeps on my plate this morning.

For years, my husband never bought me a gift I liked. Not for lack of trying or spending. He just isn’t a good gift-giver. He blesses me in many more important ways, but gifts are one of my languages of love, so he makes an effort each year. Last year around Christmas (probably on Christmas Eve), he said that he and my daughter had to “run out on an errand,” code for, “I need to rush out and get you something.” He seemed hurried and stressed (shopping is not his thing), so I simply said, “If you’re going where I think you’re going, why don’t you pray about it first?” I was amazed at what I opened up on Christmas morning. A pair of beautiful earrings I knew could only come from one giver, my Father in Heaven.

Valentine’s Day was just as special. The man came back with a rare find at a good price. And when my birthday rolled around, the Lord led him to another good deal at a store that generally doesn’t carry those items. I was amazed. All because my husband prayed and asked God to help him buy for me.

I was at a holiday party for my mentor’s church last night, where a kind lady shared about a time, several years ago, that she asked the Lord for a pair of pricey shoes. They were out of her price range, but she had wanted them for some time. She wasn’t in the habit of asking for material things, either. But, sure enough, God led her to a store soon after that had the pair of shoes sitting front and center, in her size.

I’m not saying that we should start making our lists and sending them up like hotcakes. But I am saying that God doesn’t mind if we occasionally ask him for material things. He knows we live in the flesh and have material desires. Material desires are not unhealthy if they are in moderation and we share the blessings He gives us. God loves us so much. He wants to provide for our every need and splurge on us at times. He often does so through those closest to us. Those who seek Him and say, “I really want to bless this person, Lord. Show me how to do it.”

Stressed out with last minute shopping? Give it all up to Jesus in prayer. Ask Him to help you maximize your time this week and lead you to the perfect gifts for the special people in your life. And, if there’s something special you’ve been wanting, don’t hesitate to share that with Him, too.