Blessings for the blest....

Christians frequently reference the belief that God will provide for all our needs.  It is a constant refrain in our daily lives, and a deeply held belief by most Christians following the path Jesus has set for us. It is one of the most difficult aspects of faith for many people - casting off our cares and simply allowing God to  give us what we need each day. Israelites wandering in the wilderness had manna, sure. But for us? Now?  Today? Not so easy.

Most humans seem to be pre-programmed to worry. We worry about our homes, our jobs, our families.  We worry about silly stuff, we worry about serious stuff.  Anxiety is one of the most common diagnoses in medicine today.  An entire industry of pharmaceuticals has been developed to trick our brains into relaxing and letting go of the worries and cares of modern, every day life.

But however much we worry about the material things in life, the worry will not produce a single thing we need.  Worry does not put food on the table or pay the mortgage.  Being anxious doesn't make our children drive safely, control the stock market, nor guarantee that we won't be laid off.  On the contrary, often times anxiety and fear cause us to under perform, as we spend our time spinning our wheels ineffectively, rather than simply getting on with what needs to be done.

Being a follower of Christ does not ensure an easy path through life.  Christians experience the same disappointments of life as anyone - prayers unanswered, losses endured, hardship keeping us from fully enjoying the blessings we have been given.  Even those who pray and believe faithfully do not lead trouble free lives - life is hard, and regardless of how strong your faith may be, you will be tested.

It can be disheartening to struggle mightily and feel that we are not getting what we "deserve."  It is easy to compare our circumstances with those who do not follow our Lord faithfully and feel that we come up short. While we may firmly hold on to the idea that God will reward us ultimately in heaven, we are human, and we want to know God is with us here on earth, as well.

In Hebrews 10:36, we read,

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."(TNIV)

God has not promised us an easy life.  Jesus had, by any measure, a difficult time, ending in death on a cross before the resurrection.  Why should we believe that our life will be simple when his perfection didn't ensure an easy path for him?

God has promised us that he will be there with us, and will provide all that we need, both in this life, and in the eternal life we will lead with him in heaven.  Just as he provided for the physical needs of his people in the wilderness, he will provide for our physical needs as well.  It may not be in the way we would wish.  It may not come in a form that we would expect.  But when we persevere in our faith, we will be cared for in the way that God has planned if we trust in him and persevere.  And sometimes, when we have reached the end of our rope, it will come in an unexpected way that will exceed all our imaginings.

Celebrate this day, confident that the blessings God intends for you will be there in his time.