Having lost my mom at an early age, I benefited greatly from the generosity of my father and siblings. As the youngest, I got used to and enjoyed being protected and cared for. I somehow developed a sense of entitlement. Getting married and having kids did not change these expectations. In so being, I demonstrated selfishness.
Through my father’s sickness and death, God caught my attention. He poured His love in me as the storms of life grew in magnitude. In trials and sorrows, He taught me the importance of gratitude and thanksgiving. The radiance of His presence shed light on the many blessings He had bestowed on me. God redirected my focus from me to Him.
From the position of “receiver,” God made me think about my “giving” responsibilities. I learned that my understanding of blessings was narrow and limited as it focused on my abilities rather than God’s. The struggles and tests I faced allowed God to shape my character continuously. He opened my eyes to the reality that submission and obedience are starting points. He stressed the importance of my availability, willingness and readiness to be used. He pressed upon me the need to focus on my input and leave the outcome to him (1 Corinthians 3:6 NLT “I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.”). He reminded me that what happens in the heart (our motives) is more important than what we do.
In fact, God opened my eyes to see what He has been blessing me with for the benefit of others, including my time, advice, resources, silence, smile, worship, praises, respect, kindness, patience, attention, faithfulness, self-control, tears (yes! my tears), my “yes,” words, energy, testimonies, humility, fill the blanks……
I am certainly not there yet! God is still working on me, in me and through me (Philippians 1:6 ESV “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”).
Dear God, I thank you for Your Presence, Power and Provisions. May You continue to open our eyes to the things You bless us with so we can also be blessings to others. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Ernestina
AMEN! The lessons we learn in the struggles of life, I always wonder, What could it have been if there was no God? I do wonder and at the same time, don’t want to know the answer. The lyrics of Laura Story always quicken my heart and mind to posture and know that God is always at work especially within the struggles of life because they are all His blessings in disguise. Here are the lyrics: “Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops, What if Your healing comes through tears, What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near, What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise”.
Barb Eitze
So true Edmond. The beatitudes explain blessings very well. We think our blessings are wonderful things that happen to us and including material things as being very blessed. Its All Gods, and It’s all a test… to see what we will do with what He entrusted us with. Developing character to be like Him comes through trials and test. Of that I am Sure. Thank you Edmond for this great post…You are soooo blessed….we are all sooo blessed. God is always good. ❤️