Christian Living

The Blessed Life

by Vernita Simmons
02/06/23
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Most enjoy it when somebody says; God bless you. It is a declaration of goodness we hope for someone. Still, others have no clue what this means. These blessings can come in ways you never thought possible. Over the past several months, I have been part of a spectacular book club hosted by my dear friend, Deborah Lassiter. Each month, she presents a chapter from her book, The Women God Used. In Chapter 8, she talks about the Widow. I will not unveil who this biblical personality is, but Deborah asked a profound question. What would you say a blessed life is? 

Most might describe such a life as prosperous and the goodness of God, but without the absence of trouble. As I mulled over this question, it did not take the Lord long to respond. So, I want to share with you His empowering answer. So, this is what the blessed life does not look like: It is not joy without sorrow. Neither is it being untouched by sufferings or challenging circumstances. Nor escaping an indefinite season of uncertainty. It is going through a time of inflation when your expenses exceed your income. Beloved, you have to go through pain to get the promise. Likewise, it includes anguish, difficulties, and even getting angry with God because you donot understand His plan. So, it is not blessing without hardships, but knowing God sees the end that you do not. 

In Genesis Chapter 12:2, God assured Abram, He would make him a great nation, and shall bless him, also make his name great, and he would be a blessing. Likewise, He will bless those who bless him. The Lord fulfilled this covenant,but this did not come without a cost. He had to leave his country, the Ur of the Chaldeans, and go into Canaan. Abram had so many cattle when they entered between Bethel and Ai; the land could not contain him and the possessions of Lot. Strife broke out between him and the cattlemen of Lot, and they separated. 

The Lord reassures Abram He; would make him a father of many nations. God promised that his covenant would be between him and Sari and nations and kings will descend from him. He likewise gives Sari a similar promise. (Genesis 17:1-22). Abram thinks this is ridiculous because; he is ninety-nine years old, and his wife is ninety. He even laughs at this profound Word from the Almighty. 

Because the Lord promised these twenty-five years earlier, Sari decided to become God's assistant. She gives Hagar to him to marry and have a child. Ishmael is born, but things do not turn out as they hoped. During the celebration after they weaned Isaac, Sari sees the son of Hagar laughing, and she evicts them. God sends her and her son back, and she submits to Sari. (Genesis, 12:2; Genesis 21:1-21). It had to be a difficult time for everybody in the house. You try dealing with two women bickering for the affection of one man. Then, years later, God tells Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Say What? It is his one who would make him a great nation. Still, he trusts the Lord and does as He instructs him. (Genesis 22:1-19). Abraham faced many challenging times and received more than what he expected. Still, it did not happen without a season of distress, uncertainty, and loss. 

So, after this, the death of loved ones, a job loss, or an incurable disease. Likewise, in a country plagued with violence, hatred, and division, you reap an exceeding abundance of blessings. After going through what you feel is the worst time of your life, God turns it all around for your greater good. Because you trust God no matter what and leave the outcome in His hands, you will receive a blessed life because your best life awaits you. It is a life stained in the blood of Jesus Christ and redeemed by His grace that nobody deserves. The question; you must ask yourself is what are you willing to surrender to gain a blessed life? Because it will not look as you thought; still, it will bless you beyond anything you imagined.

Blessed life, challenging times, goodness of God, prosperous, hardships, uncertain times

TIME FOR REFLECTION:

Are you grateful you have benefited from a blessed life regardless of difficulties? Why or why not?

What good have you received from obtaining a blessed life despite fierce opposition?