My perspective shifted. My mind grapples with the paradox.
How does a blessing now appear as a burden?
In March, my heart danced. Long anticipated prayers yielded rains of blessings. After seasons of navigating through famines and droughts, the sky seemed to open. Dreams planted long ago blossomed. Burdens lifted. Chokeholds released.
“I love the LORD, because He hears
My voice and my supplications.
Because He has inclined His ear to me,
Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.” Psalm 116:1-2
Do I still believe it?
Once again, the horizon appears uncertain. Earthly perspectives creep in. Fear lurks in the shadows. The implications of the earlier blessing begin to sink into my flesh. My husband seeks a new job. Deadlines loom. God’s hand behind the scenes is not moving according to my expectations.
“I love the LORD, because He hears
My voice and my supplications.
Because He has inclined His ear to me,
Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.” Psalm 116:1-2
Do I still believe it?
I am reminded of the Israelites who embraced their blessing of liberation only to find fault with the earthly tensions found within it.
Did they still believe it?
God spoke to them: “Do not be afraid. For I have bought you and made you free. I have called you by name. You are Mine!” Isaiah 43:1
God speaks to me: “Do not be afraid. For I have bought you and made you free. I have called you by name. You are Mine!” Isaiah 43:1
My God has not changed. My perspective has.
Though my hands shake, I continue to embrace the blessing. Even in the hard places. He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.
When have you found fear in your blessing?
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I always have to remember that God doesn’t change so my perspective has to. This is difficult for me too. Always. I’m praying you up and sending blessing and healing prayers your way, friend. May you find peace in the season and I pray God moves a miracle for your family. xx
Thank you!
Oh yes! How does a blessing now appear as a burden? And that begs how does a burden become a blessing…that’s where I’m at right now. There are blessings from the burdens, sometimes they’re harder to see than others. Earthly perspective and fear affects them both.
good grief how did that happen? I wasn’t finished yet.
Earthly perspective and fear affect them both, as you said, it’s what we do with it that matters. I pray we both can face our burdens and blessings with grace and trusting in Jesus.
Christy, You are right that burdens can actually be blessings. I am reminded of Laura Story’s song “Blessings” which talks about blessings in disguise. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Stephanie, I’m next door to you again today in the linkup. Yes, I have felt fear and stress in the blessing. My kids were long-awaited blessings — yet there is so much stress and anxiety in caring for them. I just try to trust, even when I can’t *feel* the blessing. I love the encouraging Scriptures you quoted. Thanks for sharing so honestly and authentically.
Jeannie, we aren’t always aware of the implications of the blessings we desire. Kids are a very real example. I, too, didn’t feel prepared for all that the blessing entailed. But, we are reminded of the goodness of the giver. That, in itself, changes the way we view it through all circumstances.
Agreed! We have a son who as far as we can tell is not following Jesus. Holy Spirit (in answer to my prayer) gave me this Scripture to pray for this son whom we Love.
2 Chronicles 16:34 Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever.
I don’t know what that means for our son, but 6 years later I continue to give thanks to the Lord for He is good…
Thank you for your perspective on blessing! And I bless you, new friend, to Feast on Joy…under trial. Lisa
Oh sweet friend, thank you so much for this!
My inclination is to spout some platitude at you, because I don’t know what to say. Instead, I will be lifting you up to our Good Father, who loves you so.
Thank you Marie
Grace to you, Stephanie. May the One who hears your “voice and supplications” strengthen you as you continue to call upon Him. Thanks for sharing these Scripture verses.