Blessed to Be a BlessingSample

Blessing from the Beginning

Over the past couple of days, you and I have been journeying together through “the blessings of God” … and it all sounds fine in theory.

But the question may be lingering in your mind: Does He want to bless me? So today let’s go a bit deeper.

Because there seem to be two opposite extremes on this idea of God’s blessing. It can be quite confusing!

At one end, the thinking goes something like this:

“God wants to bless me; therefore, I’ll believe Him for a new Mercedes, a million dollars, and a bigger house. It’s all about me, so I’ll name it and claim it!”

Sadly, lots of Christians believe that these days. But that belief just doesn’t stack up when viewed against Jesus’ life and death on the cross. Read John 9:23 if you want to see what I’m talking about!

Now, the other end of the spectrum says you have to be poor to serve God. But when you go to the Bible you find out that Abraham was extremely rich. So was King Solomon, one of the wisest men in history.

And if you have to be poor to be a Christian, well, who would fund His work on this planet?

Neither of these attitudes seems right. And let’s face it, there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to God’s blessings if all we’re talking about is money. There must be something else. Right?

That’s why it’s helpful to recognize that blessing is God’s unmerited divine favor – God intervening to make something better, to grow you, or bring you joy – whether it’s financial or spiritual, or a physical blessing like healing.

Did you notice the word, unmerited? It means you can’t earn His blessing with your behavior or money. He gives it freely!

God wants to bless you. Not because you earned it. Because He wants to.

Granted, His blessing won’t always show up when you want it to, or in the way you expect it to. You will still face struggles and hardships in your life.

But the blessings that He has in store for you are greater than you can ever imagine.

And the greatest blessing of all is the very presence of God with you in every moment of your life. Now that is a blessing you can count on in every situation.

Life Application Questions

• What types of blessings have you been praying for in your life so far? For physical needs, or spiritual growth … or just for things you want?
• How might God be changing your understanding about the things He has blessed you with in your life – and the blessings He may still have in store for you?
• Read through the blessing that God gives to Aaron through Moses in Numbers 6:22–26. Ask Him to impress the blessing of that prayer in your heart today.

Let’s pray:

Father,

Sometimes this idea of blessing is so confusing. Help me, Lord God, to enter into Your blessing on Your terms. Give me the grace to accept the blessing that You choose for me in the middle of the life that You have given to me. May I be a light that shines out Your love, because I am truly blessed to be a blessing to others.

Amen.

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