We Are Blessed        

   by Richard A. Cox, author of the book I, We, Us: A Journey of Personal Growth and Development

“A faithful man will abound with blessings.” Proverbs 28:20(KJV)       

It is so reassuring to know as a Christian that despite the condition of the economy, the war going on in Iraq or violence in the streets, we are still blessed.   We are blessed because we recognize God’s favor in our lives.   We are children of the Kings of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, and what was and what will be the everlasting God.  Our birthright by being adopted into the body of Christ gives us the legal right and authority to inherit good health, wealth and a purposeful destiny. 

You can read in Matthews 5:3-11 to see where Jesus preached on the mountain about blessed people.  Jesus made statements about taking an inventory of the characteristics of blessed people.  He described blessed people as the poor in spirit, they that mourn, the meek, they which do hunger and thirst after righteous, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. These statements of blessings underline the difference between our human values and God’s values. 

Jesus continued his sermon in Matthews 5:13-16(KJV) as “ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thence good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.  Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”   Jesus spoke these verses to encourage believers of their importance on earth to be as salt and light that must savor and illuminate His ways.  These are true blessings of Christian dedication and promises that Jesus makes to us. 

We must understand and realize that God’s blessings are working in full power and strength even at those times when life is extremely painful.  God wants our faith to mature to understand that He uses everything that happens in our lives to move us toward fulfilling our destiny.  In Romans 8:28(KJV) it says, “ all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose.”

There are so many circumstances especially in third world nations where they do not have their basics needs met. We are blessed to have food in the refrigerator, clothes on our back, a roof over our head and a place to sleep.  Just think if you have money in the bank, in you wallets or purse and spare change you are blessed.  If your parents are still alive and still married you are blessed.  If you woke up this morning with good health you are blessed because someone did not wake up to see another day.

It is important for us to take the time to reflect daily upon the blessings of God in our lives.   Reflecting on our blessings will help us to learn to be content as Paul says in Philippians 4:11(AMP).  It says “not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.”   We have earthly blessings with food, clothing and shelter, but we also have spiritual blessings.  In Ephesians 1:3 (AMP) it says, “may blessing (praise, laudation, and eulogy) be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual (given by the Holy Spirit) blessing in the heavenly realm.”  We are blessed with so many spiritual blessings.  Here is a list of a few:

1. Protection. We can rely upon God’s protection in our daily lives. In Isaiah 54:17(KJV) it declares” no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”
   

1. Patience. As we mature spiritually we learn to develop patience and strength while waiting for God to answer. You will find in Isaiah 40:31(KJV) the words,

” but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

1. Favor. The favor of God rests upon each believer.  In 2 Corinthians 9:8 (KJV) you find the statement, “and God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” 
   

1. Power. As a believer God has given us The Comforter, The Holy Ghost to be a tool to administer God’s power on earth.  In Ephesians 3:20(KJV) it says,” now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
   

1. Peace. God has given believers an inner peace to remain calm in the midst of the storms of life.  In Philippians 4:7 (KJV) it declares, “and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
   

1. Provision. God continuously makes ways our no ways on behalf of the believers. In Philippians 4:19(KJV) it states, “but my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
   

It is just a blessing to realize we are a blessed people.  God is on our side. As God’s children we are assured of blessings and His protection. We do not have time to compare blessings or ourselves with people.  God has a designer blessing just for you.  The blessing only fits you.  

God has raised us up as he saw fit, equipped us as he saw fit.  Then He put us in a place and time to accomplish his purpose in our generation.   We need to do what we can for the body of Christ using our blessings of talents, treasures and time to accomplish a work for the Lord.