Hidden Blessings
I'm currently sat here writing this post, on the couch, after a long day of eating good food and telling good stories, surrounded by the best company. I can't help but reminisce on all that God has given: a loving family, wonderful jobs, an amazing school community, and many opportunities to do what I love. Yet, at the same time, I can't help but reminisce on all that God has allowed: the death of my grandma, anxiety about the future, fear of the unknown, and worry about the world.
In the midst of all that has happened in this crazy life, I know one thing: God is still working.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Something that I've been learning in my quiet time is how faithful God is to fulfill His promises.
I'm reading through the Old Testament right now and the amount of prophecies there are about Jesus blows my mind. The people might not have remembered His promise of a Savior when they were in the midst of slavery in Egypt, but it was there. They might not have remembered His promise that He will make a way when they were in the desert traveling to the Promised Land, but it was there.
It might be hard to remember His promises when it seems your world is crumbling around you, but it's still there.
It may be hidden, but not invisible.
Whether this Thanksgiving and future Christmas season is the hardest you've had to go through, is feeling mundane, or is just a regular day to you, there is a blessing that God wants to give you.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 - "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'"
Devotional Questions:
1) When is it the hardest for you to believe that God is working for your good and to bless you?
2) List some good and bad things that have happened in your life. Explain them, don't be afraid of the details.
3) Look back at the list. Where can you identify hidden blessings in each of these things? If it's harder to think of some, pray that God would reveal what you can't see.