I am blessed. I am abundantly blessed. I KNOW I’m blessed!
I have a house. It’s not a dream home, but it’s sturdy, mostly tidy 😉, and large enough to allow us to care for our loved ones. This weekend we’ve also had plenty of room for family and guests. In my recent vlog, I shared a peek inside our house, and I’m eager to show you the progress that’s been made.
I have a car. I’ve thanked the Lord for it more times than I can count. It’s an old car that is easy on my poor knees and has faithfully transported us back and forth for many miles.
I have health. I’ve had plenty of medical issues over the years, some which have even stumped medical professionals. But the fact remains, I’m walking, talking, breathing, and healthy enough to love and serve my precious family.
I had a marvelous education and career. I enjoyed many years of learning in exceptional schools and continue to learn as much as I can even today. And, I was honored to teach students in a classroom in one capacity or another for over thirty years.
I have an amazing family. My parents loved each other and me without reservation. My brothers and their wives have continued great in love and support of me and my family. God’s given me a husband far beyond what I deserve. Our three precious children continue to fill our hearts with joy and pride. And I could fill the rest of this post with the blessing of our sweet grandchildren. (But I’ll refrain. You can just imagine the smile on my face as I think about them!)
I’m blessed with a supportive church family and many friends. I have eyes that see, ears that hear, and tastebuds that taste.
Does everyone have all these blessings?
No.
Some don’t have family support. Some can’t walk, can’t see, can’t listen to the bird just now as he chirps outside my open window. Some don’t have homes. Some haven’t heard from friends in way too long.
Yet others have much more than I could ever list.
Does that seem fair? Not really.
Then why would God allow it? Because it’s best.
Many years ago, two verses grabbed my heart and haven’t let go.
Remove far from me vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me, lest I be full, and deny Thee, and say, “Who is the LORD? Or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. Proverbs 30:8,9
I’ve always referred to these as my “just right” verses. The Lord assures me here that God is providing what is “just right” for me.
You see, what’s right for me might not be right for you. God has different plans for each of us so He uses different circumstances in each of our lives.
I could share some personal stories of trials we’ve endured that would make you cry. My life has certainly not been a bed of roses. But what I choose to focus on is how I’m blessed. I could talk about some things I don’t have, some things I wish I didn’t have, and some extremely hurtful, and seemingly unfair circumstances with which we’ve had to deal.
The devil wants me to feel I’ve been treated less than fairly. He used this deceitful tactic in Genesis 3 when he insinuated to Eve that God had withheld something from her that would complete her happiness. Thus came the fall of the entire human race!
The truth is this: the haves and have nots of my life are exactly what God intended them to be. According to the verses I shared above, they are “food convenient for me.”
When I focus on how my life situation differs from yours in any way, several things could take place. I could become proud or bitter. I could show envy, discontent, or complacency. I could try to become God in my judgement of how things could be better for either you or for me.
I never considered myself to be an envious person. As a general rule, I’m content with what I have. But one day, I discovered a deep root of covetousness in my heart. I realized I was discontent with me. With who I am. With my lack of abilities. Surprisingly, the first time I recognized my envy was when I coveted the energy other women possessed. It went so far as to reason with God about how much more I could accomplish for Him if He’d give me more stamina!
Shame on me. Who do I think I am to believe I could be a better help to God if He’d only made me differently?
I’m not God. I don’t know what’s best. And if I tried, I’d mess everything up!
My omniscient God knows what is necessary to draw me to His side and to fulfill His purpose. He knows how I will respond to what He gives and to what He omits. What He allows determines the path I will take and who I will meet along the way.
And, as a believer, I stand assured when all is said and done, I will lack nothing! My eternity is sure. My Home will be spectacular beyond comprehension. My troubles will not exist. My hurts will evaporate.
And, if I even care to glance back, I will not wish I’d had one thing more or one situation less. I will understand and proclaim it was good. It was worth it all! It was just what I needed.
Ironing the Preacher's Shirts 