Blessed To Be A Blessing

We are blessed in so many ways. If I recount them all, I could go on for hours.  If you stopped to think about it, I bet you could too!

Why?  Why of all people on earth are we so richly blessed? 

It is not because we are greater, wiser, lovelier or more deserving than others.  It is God’s amazing grace – our God; whose ways are higher than our ways and whose thoughts are higher than our thoughts.  In pouring His grace on us He has several reasons. 

• First, God loves us; but since He loves the whole world that doesn’t fully explain our blessing. 
• Second, our nation was founded on Biblical principles, dedicated to Him, bathed in prayer that continues still, and even though that foundation has eroded in many ways, we continue to benefit from His promise to bless the descendants of those who fear Him and obey His commands (Dt. 7:9).  I’m so thankful for godly predecessors who sowed righteous seed throughout the generations. 
• Third, we have been “made rich in every way SO THAT <we> can be generous on every occasion, and <that our> generosity will result in thanksgiving to God!” II Cor. 9: 11 

So That

The Apostle Paul goes on to explain that God gives us everything we need SO THAT we can abound in good works.  We know, of course, works do not save us, but good works flow out of our love for and gratitude to God.  The service God has in mind for us will provide for the needs of God’s people and others who are not now as amply supplied as we are; SO THAT they can have a heart full of thanksgiving as well!

Blessing a Romanian Village

I have seen this truth in action countless times. During one of many trips to Romania, a mayor shared with me that her village of 3000 people had no running water.  Even in the dead of winter they had to use outside pumps to draw water.  She explained to me with desperation the hardship this caused people, especially the very young and very old.  Before the end of that day, I was able to tell her that because of the generosity of caring Christians, her village would have a municipal well providing them plenty of fresh, pure water for their homes before year’s end.  The news brought tears of joy to her.  When she was finally able to speak again, she couldn’t stop giving thanks to God and his people! 

A Blessing for Guatemalans

Shortly after that I was in Guatemala providing food and medicines to thousands of precious people struggling to survive in rural mountain villages.  They could not express their thanks enough for the help God sends them through people just like you.

The opportunities to evoke praise to the Lord are abundant.  Every disaster, every personal crisis, every desperate situation provides each of us a way to worship through giving. 

Blessing Those In Crisis

Doug often tells the story of the Imam in Indonesia who was baffled by the kindness and generosity of Christians following the Southeast Asian Tsunami.  “My heart and my mind are in conflict,” he confessed.  “When the twin towers fell on 9/11, we danced in the streets at your suffering. But in our time of suffering, you have brought help.”  The sacrificial giving by believers provided an opportunity to share how the love of God moved their perceived enemies to compassion, which caused this unbeliever to give thanks to Him too.

Following the devastating winter storm in Texas that damaged roofs, burst water pipes and flooded homes, Somebody Cares helped numerous people with home repairs.  One widow overwhelmed by the assistance wrote, “the compassionate assistance extended to me gave me peace and helped me get back into my home. I’m thankful to Christ for the care He has shown me and many others though you.”  I can relate countless other stories like this that resulted in praise to God because His people who have so freely received from the Lord, have also freely given.

What Should We Do?

Instead of focusing on temporal challenges, let us recount the many blessings of God. Daily celebrate His goodness and greatness. Ask Him how the blessings He has so richly bestowed on you can overflow into the lives of others. Take time to jot down some simple action steps you can take personally and with your family. God has gifted you to bless others, around the corner or around the world. As you give others something to be thankful for, God will do more so for you! He says so.

Here are a few of His promises:

• God will “make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”! 2 Cor 9: 8. (Read Two Secrets about God’s Provision)
• God will “increase your store of seed”! 2 Cor 9: 10
• God will “enlarge your harvest of righteousness” (that’s spiritual blessing)! 2 Cor 9:10

Isn’t it amazing!  God blesses us, so we can bless others.  And when we do, He blesses us more!  The heart of God is always to bless.  Let us have that same heart and attitude!