Where Did That Blessing Come From? - The Christian Online Magazine

pchastain@bpg.com

Where did that blessing come from? Do we ever ask ourselves that question? Realizing that some days hold little surprises that just seem to come out of nowhere, I often find myself wondering where the blessing came from. Why did it happen at that time? It seems as though the wonderful little incidents that I speak of are created just for me. Maybe I needed a glimmer of hope or maybe I was ready to make a decision that was not meant to be and a specific incident helps me to change direction.

I believe in miracles. I’ve seen several to speak of in the small amount of time I’ve been on this earth. I mean, the little blessings that seem to come out of nowhere that stop us in our tracks and force us to think about what we are doing, or even the larger blessings that make us laugh or cry. These little blessings are turning points in our lives and we don’t even know it.

Sometimes, I ask for guidance hoping for something just exactly like the little blessings I speak of so fondly right now. I receive nothing. I will get angry and to the point of despair because I need someone, something, anything to lead me in the right direction or any direction! Isn’t it funny how a little blessing, or as my sister puts it, life’s little gold nuggets always seem to come at just the right time. Or, could it be that anytime in our busy lives is just the right time for those little blessings?

The next time something hits us in our face and stops us in our tracks and forces us to think about what we are doing, we should ask ourselves; where did that come from? At that time, make sure you are thankful for the interference and use it to make the right decision.

Unable to laugh at life because we are almost in a stunned state of mind, we will either cry, talk to a friend or talk to God. Either of these remedies will work to give the relief we are seeking to achieve. But, be aware that only talking to God about your problems and giving them to him can actually obtain results for our dilemma. I know this as I have tried and failed many times over. Even at this writing I struggle with strongholds and problems in my life that I think I want to hold onto but yet realize that I don’t really need them or really even want them. Why would this be the case over and over again? I want to believe God wants to know that we trust Him. I want to believe that He knows it is hard to let go of things we love in this life. Unfortunately, the things we love are not always good for us. Some things in this life to which we become attached can actually take the place of goodness in our lives. God knew this. This is the very reason God created things this way. Over and over again, we must let go of things that satan places in our lives to pull us away from God. Time and space is not always a good thing. Sometimes, it is temptation.

We can start simple and discuss the new television set that is larger, clearer and everyone has it. Our credit is good enough to obtain it. But, deep in our gut we feel something tugging at us and literally pulling us away from the temptation of purchasing this new television set for ourselves and our family. We ponder the reasons we don’t need it. We see clearly in our mind that we already have 3 television sets in our home that work perfectly well. Therefore, we are left with the decision of what we want versus what we need. This is a simple decision to make and we will not be doing wrongfully by purchasing this new television. But, what could possibly be the reason we hold back? It is very simple; God is trying to lead us in the right decision. Again, it is not wrong to purchase that new set but God already knows our future and maybe He is tugging at our heart because He knows the payments will be a hardship on our family at some point.

Usually, I am not happy when the Lord does not bless “my wants”. I, being the mature adult that I am, simply pout. I will then do as the stubborn 2-year-old child and become headstrong butting against everything in my path to obtain that which my Heavenly Father has spoken to me gently saying “ no, you don’t need that right now “. I will work extra hard and longer hours to prove that I can have it if I want it. And, just about the time I think I have it in the bank, the car breaks down and “my wants” continue to adroitly elude me. Following that disciplinary action, which was quite possibly my Heavenly Father again saying gently “ no, you don’t need that right now because I have other plans that are better, safer and less painful for you”; I continue to show my attitude of “I know what I want and I can have it if I want it.” At which time, I get a kidney stone and am out of working commission for an entire pay period leaving a gapping hole in my budget. Then I remember, I have that money saved. Whew! That was a close one. Well, thank you Lord for that money in the bank. And again I say, where did that blessing come from?