"From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another."
The past couple of weeks I've really had my ears "tuned up" from God. Have you ever had that happen? Those times when God tweaks your listening skills and asks you, my child do you not understand even now that in your faith comes great blessing and reward? I'm in that place it appears these days. Constant reminders of just how blessed I am even through the storms of life... I AM BLESSED.
I've been reminded by countless scriptures of how God favors his people through his grace and provisions. I'm also reminded contrary to some people's understanding (clearing my throat as I say this) that God does not show favortism. So although I am highly favored, I don't claim to be his favorite but loved greatly just the same.
This year hasn't been the best so far; several loved ones have gone home to be with the Lord. We've had a few health and financial scares but through it all God has remained faithful. Although my flesh wanted to grow weak and weary, my God reminded me that he has been with me from the time I was being woven together in my mother's womb. He knows the hairs on my head and my name is forever written on the palm of his hand. He reminds me just how many ways I am blessed and shown favor. It's really easy to get caught up in the pity parties of one and to focus on the negatives in our lives but it's through these trials that we become stronger and become lights to others who perhaps are not walking in a life of faith. How do we encouarge and help another through a situation if we have never experienced it ourselves? How do we reflect God's love and mercy if we've never seen the lack of love and mercy from this world?
Today I got to see the sunshine and spend time outdoors listening to the birds, seeing the clouds roll in and out of view, hear the wind whistling through the trees and smell the fresh air of life that is bursting forth in our trees and flowers. Today I got to see; there are many that didn't. Today I was able to ride my bike and strengthen my heart and body; there were many that will never experience that pleasure. Today I was able to hear the message given to my pastor from our heavenly father, there are many in this world that would give anything just to have five minutes to hear or read about his love and life eternal. Today I am blessed. Today I recognize that my blessings flow from one to another. Today I understand what it means to be blessed and to be a blessing.
How many blessings can you sit down and write out on a piece of paper that you receive daily? How many blessings can you think of in your mind that you simply take for granted? How many ways can you be a blessing to others so they can see the light of Christ today through you?
Blessings,
Heather
