Bring On The Blessings!

Have you ever stopped to think about all of the blessings that you are missing out on? We grumble and complain and whine about this friend who is going on another trip to the Caribbean, Jim and Julie who just purchased a convertible, or how lucky Tim and Tina are to have so much money. What if those blessings and others alike were meant for you, but you missed out on what God has to offer all because of two simple words, “If you”

Just like any loving parent, God desires to give his children gifts in all shapes and sizes. However, there’s just one problem, our pride, fear, and flesh can often get in the way of saying, “yes” to the King.

Everyday we are given opportunities to be blessed, and His word is full of circumstances where he indirectly calls us into action.

For example, in Psalm 37: 4-6, we are told:

Trust in the Lord, and do good;

Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.

Delight yourself also in the Lord,

And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

 Commit your way to the Lord,

Trust also in Him,

And He shall bring it to pass.

He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,

And your justice as the noonday.

What happens when we insert our two simple words? “If you delight …If you commit…If you trust…”

When we take a look at the word “if”, there is an implication of an outcome or a result such as “If you go to bed early, then you will not be tired in the morning.” Or, “If you brush your teeth every day, then you will not have cavities.” Each circumstance has an initial cause and an effect, and so do God’s commands to us.

If we delight ourselves in Him, he will give us our heart’s desires. If we commit our ways and trust that God is in control, He will bring about the necessary outcome.

How do we then get past our pride, fears, and flesh? We must be willing to lay down our own life daily.  That’s the hardest part. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23).  Notice his first word, “If”.

It seems so simple, yet sometimes the first step is the most difficult obstacle to overcome.

If God is willing to bless us, why would we not want to be a part of his blessing?

What if we stopped complaining and do what we are supposed to do in the first place? Then God could do His part.

What struggles have you overcome to be blessed by God? What are you still wrestling with that is keeping you from His blessings?