Devotional for 2/16/14
When we are suffering, the last thing we probably want to hear someone say is, "How blessed you are!"
"Blessed??? I don't think so!" you may say.
When we think of being blessed, or pray for blessings from God, we think of positive things happening. But God, as he often does, turns this upside down. Jesus spoke this in what we call the Beatitudes:
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.
“But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.
Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.
Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets. Luke 6:20-26 (NIV)
(also found in Matthew:)
(also found in Matthew:)
We will be rewarded in heaven as we persevere, especially if it is in the name of Jesus that we are persecuted. But even here on earth we can find blessings in our sufferings if we look for them. Hardships can develop perseverance. Troubles can encourage more reliance on God. Abuse can make us more sensitive to others and lead us to help other people who suffer the same. And enduring faith through difficult times can be a great witness to others. While we wouldn't normally ask God to bless us with hard times, perhaps we can thank Him for what we have learned or developed because of them.
written by Jan Andersen
There is a wonderful song by Laura Story called "Blessings" that speaks of this:
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