Blessings
As promised, I am going to write about blessings. (If you haven't read my previous post "Identity & Blessings," I suggest that you read that first.) According to Google, a blessing is defined as "God's favor and protection," "a person's sanction or support," or "a beneficial thing for which one is grateful; something that brings about well-being." Essentially, I agree with all of these definitions. I believe that I am blessed because I have God's favor and support, and I am very grateful for it.
In today's world, when someone says "#blessed," they usually mean that they are lucky. When they get new clothes or get the fanciest car on the market, they say they are blessed. But, I believe blessings go beyond the material things. The fact that I have breath in my lungs is a blessing. Even though I have not bought any new clothes for a while, I don't own a car, my family is not extremely rich, and I am not going to Harvard or Yale, I feel "blessed."
So, let me give a few testimonies of God's favor on my life. (Just the ones I can think of off the top of my head.)
I know Jesus' saving grace and mercy.
I am going to Oral Roberts University.
I am able to go to ORU almost for free (still believing for the rest of the minuscule amount to come in).
I have a supporting family.
God has given me health.
I am protected by Him.
I have the ability to learn.
I am alive.
Every missions trip I've been on was miraculously provided for.
I have a job.
Pumpkin Pie Blizzards at DQ.
I have a computer. (yay!)
and so many other things.
I have asked the Lord for many things, and they have almost all been answered. I know He will answer those that have not yet been fulfilled. I have no doubt that He will go through with His promises. The story of Abraham is the most prominent example of this. Abraham did not even see all God's promises fulfilled in His lifetime, yet they were fulfilled, and even today, Israel is living in the land of milk and honey. He was provided a son, Isaac, almost 25 years after God promised Abraham that He would be a father. Then- oh no- God tells him to sacrifice that promise on the altar. Yet, we see God's provision of the goat. God's promise was tenacious and persevering. Ultimately, Abraham was blessed from the Lord as he followed His commands. I truly believe that obedience and blessing go hand in hand. Abraham's obedience led to the creation of Israel, and ultimately to the fulfillment of the Messiah.
This doesn't mean we can use God as a "slot machine." We shouldn't give to get, rather we should give because it is obedience. God doesn't have to give us anything. He is God. And we technically can't give anything to Him because he owns "the cattle on a thousand hills." (Psalm 50:10) "The world is His and everything in it." (1 Corinthians 10:26) This also means that "nothing is impossible for God." (Luke 1:37) If you need a miracle or blessing in your life- whether it is healing, finances, relationships, or whatever else it may be, God will do it. Sometimes, it may not happen the way you imagined it to be (okay most of the time), however it will happen. No prayer goes unheard. Keep trusting in God's faithfulness and pure goodness- know that He has a plan for your life.
I will be praying for you all to experience God's goodness and blessings in a new way this week! Please contact me if you have any prayer requests!!
Blessings, (pun intended)
Emily
