How often do you find yourself in prayer saying, “Lord please bless me” or “bless us with this new {fill in the blank.} Now that you’re thinking about it, more than you thought, right? Even though it may sound sweet and innocent, what we really are doing is trying to control the outcome of our situation or worse yet, our life. I mean we’re being honest here so you can say yes. I won’t judge. I know I do it myself at times. But what we fail to recognize is that perhaps God is blessing you by NOT giving you whatever you keep on asking for. Yep, you read that right. But go ahead and read that line again. Being blessed by God, has nothing to do with “getting something.” But in fact, to be blessed we need to be a blessing.

What does it look like to “be a blessing” you might ask. A verse pops into my head that is simple and to the point. 1 Corinthians 16:14. “Do all things in love.” Before verse 14, it says, “Be on your guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” Ok so you might be scratching your head asking yourself what that has to do with being a blessing. Do you know someone that needs a  friend or someone to talk to? Talk to them. Does the elderly lady next door need help carrying her groceries inside? Carry them in for her.  Do you feel God tugging at your heart telling you to volunteer at the soup kitchen? Do it! You will not only BE a blessing but you will be blessed. Trust me. You can not do something for someone else in pure love and selflessness without feeling joy. {blessed.}  Get how it all works together now?

Sometimes our biggest trials in life turn out to be the biggest blessings because that is when we were able to bless someone else.  Beautiful things happen when we are broken and let down the walls. Have you gone through something that at the time was horrible and painful? Were you able to share your faith and story to help someone else? If so, do you remember what it felt like blessing someone else with your words of encouragement and love? If not, don’t worry. If you are willing and ready just wait on the Lord and He will use you when it is the perfect time.

I encourage you in the next week or two, to find someone, somewhere or something you can get involved in and just do it. It doesn’t have to be something big. As long as you are acting in love you will be a blessing….and be blessed. ;)

Do you have a “Blessing” Story you want to share? As always, feel free to leave a comment below or contact me through the contact page.

xo,

Elizabeth