Blessed

A favorite word among the faithful. Used for babies, promotions, unexpected gifts and sneezes. The Bible shows a different bend on blessings however. It shows that blessedness is not so much the material gain or successful situation but rather the conforming and perfecting of the character.

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me (Matt. 5:11)."

"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him (Jam. 1:12)."

"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened (I Pet. 3:14)."

"Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man (Lk. 6:22)."

"If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you (I pet. 4:14)."

This helps us to comprehend our struggles. We are not being forgotten or forsaken when trouble comes, we are being blessed. We are not being neglected when isolated, we are being blessed to experience the Christ-life. Trials and tribulation are not punishments, they are opportunities. When the world frowns at you God is smiling on you.

Say not "I'm to blessed to be stressed" but rather "I am being blessed through my stress."

As I close this blog, I say with deep meaning and solemn respect - May God bless you.