It’s easy for us to sometimes wonder why we don’t get things our way. Why we didn’t get the promotion at work, why we can’t afford a new car, why were not happier in life, etc. It is also easy to think we deserve everything we want. If asked, most people today would tell you they are hard workers, dedicated to their job and family, and generally good people. So if all of this is true, and we are Christians who pray to God for the things we want or ‘need’, why isn’t God blessing us with what we ask him for?
Let’s take a closer look. Below we are going to evaluate some of the most common reasons why we may not be receiving our blessings from God.
What are our motives? Do we want the promotion at work so that you are in a better position to serve others and Glorify God by being allowing others to see Gods love shining through you in how you speak, act, and treat those working for you? Or do you just want to make more money and be able to be someone else’s boss? "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 Do you want a newer car so that you can show it off to your friends as a status symbol, or do you need better transportation so that you can make more trips visiting shut-ins, nursing homes, and those in the hospital or jail? "And he will answer, 'I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.'” Matthew 24:45
Are we truly being good People/Parents/Christians/Spouses, or just good enough? It is a lot easier to notice the faults of others then it is to notice our own faults. It is all too easy to convince ourselves that we are doing everything, or at least most things right. This week, make a conscience effort to self-examine everything you do. Are you showing selfless love towards everything you come into contact with? Are you wholeheartedly praying to God, and trust in him to show you the path his has prepared rather than just telling him what you want? Are you looking for opportunities to help others, even if it inconvenience’s you? And most importantly, do you trust God completely and seek to please him above all else?
Is your to-do list full of the items you think are most important, or are you asking God to show you his plan for your day and for him to help you work for His kingdom? “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” Matthew 6:33. It has been said, ‘If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans’. There is a lot of truth to this, but it should also stand as a warning. Be careful not to tell God your plan and expect him to bless it. Instead, live your life for Him, pray asking Him to show you His plan, and he will bless your good works.
In Paul’s letter to the Church at Corinth, he reminded them of the Israelites that were lead out of the Egypt with Moses. The Israelites spent 40 years wandering lost in the wilderness. God promised them fertile land, flowing with milk and honey if they would put their trust in Him. However they continued to complain and wish for more. Paul gave Corinth this warning; “11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:11-13
So if were being good Christians, with good motives and asking God to show us His path for us, we will get the next promotion and new car and a bigger house, right? Well, not quite. However if you will strive to live your life putting God first, others second, and selflessly help other, God will bless your life even more then you can imagine.
God is ready willing and able to bless your life and everything you do. He will provide for your every need. He will open doors for you that you did not think would ever be possible. 9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:9-13
Claim your Blessings!