Yesterday in church pastor was speaking about gratefulness and how it’s often a matter of perspective. I’ve continued to ponder that whole matter of perspective and how much it matters when we look at the things of God. Today’s challenge from the crew is the Wonderful Blessings of God. God blesses us in so many different ways we don’t always make note of them. Often our perspective skews what we are looking at when we are seeking the things of God.
Today I thought I’d talk about how perspective matters when things happen in life. And how by shifting it, we can see God’s blessing upon us.
Seeking the Things Of God
Mom’s Story
Seeing God’s blessings in life is often what I call looking for the God-moments. Those moments, where you know that God intervened, at just the right time. Or that he met a need even before you knew you need it.
This Thanksgiving weekend we got together with my mom. She was telling us a moment where God intervened before she knew the need. Here she was, a young woman in her early 20’s, she wanted to travel to Canada. She was all set to go on her own, one of her uncles said “Oh, I want to go to Canada too, shall we travel there together by boat?” Mom agreed and so plans were made. When they arrived his people came to collect him but the people who were supposed to pick her up did not. Since his people were there they then offered to take her. It was out of their way but they made sure she got there safe and sound. She remembers knowing that was God at work. Keeping her safe and sound in a brand new country where she knew very little English.
Story from Church
Pastor mentioned this story at church this morning. I can’t remember all the details as to who said this, but there was a fellow who was robbed and he mentioned how in it he saw the blessings of God.
- They didn’t get much.
- He wasn’t killed.
- It was him and not someone else.
- He wasn’t the robber.
Isn’t that a great perspective? Flipping it on it’s head, and seeing the other side of it all? What a great way to see the blessings of God eh?
I don’t know about you but I want to be more like that eh? Seeing the good so much more than I see the bad.
A Direct Need Answered
I’m sure we have all heard these stories, about how God answers prayer. When you have rent due and you know you are short on funds, and somehow the needed funds end up in your bank account. Or the bag of food that ends up on your doorstep when your fridge is empty? What about those times when
Recently I was thinking through a situation we have here at home and wondering if I needed to consider Jesus first. And then I opened a box from Amazon about the inerrancy of scripture. I had purchased this book because I was strongly advised to do so, I had not researched it, and guess what? The author approaches this topic by looking at Jesus. It’s known that he existed through other historical records other than the bible. So it’s a different approach that fits into where I thought God was leading me. Wasn’t that timely?
Hurts that Open Doors
We’ve recently had a hurt in our family. It’s caused some issues. I think some of it has been part of Covid fallout, some of it just … stuff. Anyways, it’s created this good-hard thing. The other day on the way home from church I mentioned to my son that I never thought I’d be grateful for this hurt.
But this hurt has taught me compassion, understanding, and new skills. It’s deepened my prayer life and broadened my understanding of the things of God.
The other day a dear lady invited me into her home. She knew of a need I had and said “I can help with that!” So off I went, I had a blast, she had a blast. We laughed and chatted over a light lunch. Needs were met. She kept saying “I don’t know why I’m telling you this Annette”. But I knew. I was there to listen, and she was there to encourage. It’s one of those moments where my hurt helped to translate for her, her hurt. Sorta the same, but yet… different. But a compassion I hadn’t really known before shone through and God was good. So very good.
How about you?
I LOVE to hear stories of how God met people when they least expected it, or most needed it. Those “God-moments”. What are some of your seeking the things of God moments? Would you mind sharing them with me? Let us be an encouragement to those around hmmm?
I love how we can find blessings all around us if we adjust our perspective!
Oh we can Dawn, blessings are hidden all around that so often we just can’t see them.
This is a great perspective! Thanks for the reminder.
thank you
When we were moving to our current location, we saw God’s hand in it all. We didn’t understand why our house had sold before we ever put it on the market and for an excellent price, allowing us to purchase a nice home in the current place. We were closer to family. Just a month or two later, an accident took one grand parent and put the other in deep need of help. She passed about a year later. But, God had placed us here where we were to be able to help grandparents and parents through that time. God takes care of things.
Sometimes, they aren’t the things we want. I believe that God had worked that particular move by forcing us through unemployment right after the birth of our first child for most of a year. A year of applying for jobs and not getting them and of trust that God was sending the right one our way at the right time. That first job was 3 years long and then we moved here. Had he gotten a position with a different department, we would never have been in a position to move to where we are now and be there for his parents. God was working for the good of many years before we ever could know or see. His blessings are amazing.
Thank you so much for sharing this story. I love hearing about God at work, in ways we don’t realize until after the fact. Glory to God eh! 🙂
I loved reading how God’s hand has moved in your life. I, too, have felt Him at work more and more over the past several years. I find myself blessed by those who are in my life for their encouragement and support.
Kristen, I’m so glad you are seeing God at work. Isn’t it good to see?
I love how He sent you someone to encourage you right when you needed it. This morning I was reading in Ecc. 7 and reminded how hard times teach us more than happy times. It’s challenging to be thankful for the hard stuff, but your words to your son where wise.
It’s absolutely wonderful how God sends encouragement when needed. Thank you. 🙂
What a great perspective on this topic we were challenged with. Blessings aren’t always about “things”. The kids were shocked to hear me say that there are many blessings coming out of this COVID-19. They thought I was nuts until I explained. Of course, there have come many challenges too that truly show how petty some people can be. We are to find blessings in all challenges in life. Thank you for sharing God right where you needed Him.
There are blessings from this time of COVID, lots of challenges indeed, but blessings if we stop and look for them.