Some preachers continually speak about God providing earthly blessings to His people. They declare that God wants us to have health, wealth and success.
Other preachers declare that we will not always be blessed in this life. They both refer to blessings in this earthly realm and forget to share with us about the eternal blessings God has in store for us.
God does want us to enjoy the temporal blessings, which He provides for us; but they are not always guaranteed. In fact, God will also bless us with trials and tribulation (Matthew 5:11; John 16:33).
Tribulation is a part of everyone's life - even a Christian. Jesus was tortured and crucified. John was in prison and beheaded (Matt 11:2-6, 14:10). God gave Paul grace to deal with his thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Blessings are gifts from God, which come in all shapes and fashions. Many make us feel fortunate and happy; yet, sometimes, these blessings appear hidden in misfortune and tribulation.
Our attitude about them is what makes the difference. People are amazed when we find joy in our tribulation. Our testimony may be the only source of saving grace for someone suffering similar circumstances.
If we rejoice always (James 1:2; Philippians 4:4), then we view even the most horrendous trial as a blessing from God (Genesis 50:20). He walks through it with us and in us, providing for our needs and using us as a light in the darkness around us (Psalm 23; Philippians 4:19).
Prayer:
Father God, You do all things beautifully in Your timing and way. You are rarely early, and usually come through for us at the very last earthly minute. I am so glad that You brought me to the place of total surrender to You and Your will in all things. Remind me to be still, to acknowledge You as God, and to allow You to work out everything for my good (Psalm 46:10; Romans 8:28).
When I remember what happened when Sara gave her maid to her husband - the Muslim world was born and they have been fighting Your son of promise ever since – this prevents me from inventing my own solutions to my problems and it spurs me to desire to walk in Your Spirit moment by moment throughout the day.
Thought for the Day:
When God is silent, He is simply enjoying our companionable silence; so be still and know that He is God and has everything under His control.
– Psalm 115:3, 46:10, 16:9; Zechariah 4:6
