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DEVOTION / When blessings are not so obvious

DEVOTION / When blessings are not so obvious

Devotions, Blog

Some of God's blessings are obvious.

  • A healthy family

  • Meaningful employment

  • Financial security

  • Prayers answered in the way we asked

Hidden blessings

But what about hunger, trials that test our faith, the heartache of tragedy, persecution, poverty? Those are blessings as well.

  • James 1:12, Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial….

  • Matthew 5:11, Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

  • Matthew 5:4, Blessed are those who mourn….

  • Luke 6:21, Blessed are you who hunger now….

Blessings from brokenness

How could that be? Because God is in the business of turning the worst of life into life's best treasures.

In the midst of setbacks and pain, God's grace continues to triumph. Every time. All the time.

It must be that way. The Father sent his Son to destroy sin's claim on our souls. Consequently, Paul's words are the only logical conclusion, We know that in all things [note: all things, no exceptions] God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

Our God has a rich, well-documented history of turning brokenness into blessing. The undeserved love that God has for continuously rebellious humans

• brought remarkable blessing to Job's life following remarkable loss.

• stiffened Paul's resolve to testify about Jesus in the face of severe persecution.

• kept Joseph's heart soft in spite of his half-brothers' betrayal and treachery.

Of course, there is no more powerful proof of God's bringing celebration out of calamity than the comfort of Easter Sunday's tomb after the chaos of Good Friday's cross.

That is why we confess -- whether God's blessings in our lives are obvious or hidden, God is our refuge and strength, a helper who can always be found in times of trouble. That is why we will not fear when the earth dissolves and when the mountains tumble into the heart of the sea…. The LORD of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is a fortress for us (Psalm 46:1,2,7).