“Every good and perfect gift is from above….” James 1:17
Sometimes it seems we can wait a lifetime for a prayer to be answered. We trudge through the long, dry, sandy, windy desert year after year. Hoping for one sign that change is coming. One sign that the oasis we have imagined in our mind will appear that will make the long journey seem to make a little more sense maybe. To make and produce fruit from all the refining we have been receiving as the scorching sun has beat down on us for so long.
I have spent my fair share of time in the desert and I’ve learned to see the daily blessings even if some of the “biggies” haven’t come yet. The daily blessing of breath of life or of sharing a meal at the table with my children. The blessing of having the resources I need to purchase the things we need. The blessing of time home. The blessing of a sunny day or a beautiful bird flying by. Really the daily blessings are endless. Each day as the sun rises we begin again to a day in which the Lord blesses and keeps us all day long until the sun sets.
In Matthew, Jesus reminded us how to pray each day and what for:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed is your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Matthew 6:9-11
He knew the daily journey we take would require daily prayer. Each day that we remember God, remember He is in charge, remember His will is done. Each day we get the things we need to survive. Each day we are forgiven for our mistakes and forgive those that others make against us. Each day we are protected from the enemy….. is a day full of blessings!
But God….
He reminded us that He sent Jesus so that we:
“…may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
God doesn’t just want to meet our expectations, He longs to exceed them. God is in the miracle making business and often we paint a picture of what we want and it is far below the masterpiece He is preparing. If we really want to receive an abundant blessing, we have to lay our daily blessings before Him and release our expectations. We also must choose daily to forgive others.
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15
Day after day of praying. Day after day of forgiving leads to abundance! Each little act of obedience and faith builds up to a life that is FULL to the brim of blessings. A blessing kept quiet becomes a burden. I believe God wants those blessings spilling out to all those around us. For
“Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.” Isaiah 61:7
Each act of faith and sharing of blessings leads to more and more and more fruit that before you know it you have an orchard ripe for the picking for the entire town and a water dam about to bust and flow into all the dry places that require it.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17
We were created by a God that does not change. A God who follows through on His promises. A God who will lead us to abundance through our own choices if we allow Him to. Our blessings come as a result of our commitment to Him which opens our eyes to see that which He has generously provided.
Today’s image is one I wasn’t prepared to share, so I graciously ask your kindness in appreciating the tenderness of it. As I typed this message and asked God to guide which image matched it, He clearly said this was the one. This image captured a snapshot of a really special day in our life. One of working hard as a team, enjoying life as friends, and ended with enjoying food with a houseful of family. As I reflected on the never before done ride in a boat down the river, with the sun shining down, wildlife all around, and the wind in my face, I realized that God had definitely followed through on a promise:
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19
I cannot tell you where this way in the wilderness is going or where the stream may run, but I am trusting that God is leading and I will thank Him daily for our blessings. And in honor to Him that provides all good things from above, I am doing my best to share not only my hardships, but the blessings He graciously gives. I hope you can see His blessings in your life!
Too often we don’t share our blessings in fear of losing them. What may be a blessing in your life that you haven’t shared or offered back to the Lord in thanks and in giving back to others?
Father, Today I Surrender:
My Blessings
Show me the next step I should take.