The Greater Blessing

Monday, February 24, 2025

Good morning, Lord

Father in Heaven, I seek You first-Your peace-Your knowledge and discernment. Build my trust. I take up my cross and follow...In Jesus' name…

Memory verse: Psalm 139:23–24 (ESV)

23  Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 29:11-13

11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

Daily Reading: Numbers 7-8 Mark 4:21-41

The Greater Blessing

What is the greater blessing-the relief we feel after a trial or a very painful time is over-or-the living discovery of a deeper relationship with Christ?

What if the hard time is something that does not go away? An older Christian sister told me of losing her child some many years ago.

“It never goes away”, she said, “...but the Lord carries me.”

I do know what she meant. This pain never goes away. It is always there. But-God-the Holy Spirit-never goes away either.

This is the reality of the scripture that seems to be for a trial of a different kind:

1 Peter 4:14 (ESV)

 “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

This, of course, speaks to persecution. But is not God the same in all our circumstances. Does God’s power lessen for one trial and increase for another? I cannot believe that. So I go back to Hebrews 4:16:

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

His power is never changing but he gives us more when we need it.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” – Isaiah 40:29

The comfort of God never stops.

“Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble. For as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 1:4

God always has a purpose for us-to share His comfort and strength with those He brings in our path. Whatever ‘path of righteousnees’ God leads us on, He provides what we need so we can help those who need His help.

Our hearts and minds are His to protect.

Philippians 4:6&7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

...because He loves us…

Father in Heaven,

Oh, great God, your name is greater than all our pain. I long for Your kingdom. I pray I surrender to greater obedience. Give me Your Holy bread for today and lead me away from shrinking back.

All powerful God,

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen