Reading: Ephesians 1:2-4
"Praise God from Whom all blessings flow . . ." These are the words of the song we sing at the close of our offering each Sunday at Miccosukee United Methodist Church. And it is true that the Almighty flows out blessings upon us like an ever flowing river. Last night my youngest daughter went through her fourth episode of "nursemaid's elbow." As usual it was after regular doctor hours that this happened, so we sat in a busy emergency room waiting for the doctor to come and see us. Looking over the crowd when we initially went in I thought, "There is no way we are going to get out of here before dawn tomorrow." So I filled out the entry paperwork, took her to the restroom and to my surprise her name was being called as we came out of the restroom. The nurse was our blessing. She was the same nurse we had seen for the last two visits with this situation and she immediately called the doctor, who put it back in place and asked us to stay for thirty minutes of observation. Paperwork was quick and we were out the door. Still late (it was 11:45 pm) when we left, but it wasn't dawn. The Lord overflowed His blessings so not only would our daughter not suffer too long, but also so we could get back home for well needed sleep.
Thinking over my life and how He overflows it with blessings a rapid river with rocks everywhere describes it best. He sends His blessings flowing throughout our lives and the enemy tries His best to take our eyes off of those blessings by throwing obstacles in the way. When I walked into that emergency room I saw all the obstacles - a crowd that needed the doctor's attention just like my little one. But God saw an opportunity to show me a little touch of His love. The opportunity to bless us with the same nurse, who knew the situation and had the authority to move us forward. A nurse who could get us the help to stop the pain and did so with a gracious heart. This small blessing meant the world to us.
Where are you in the recognition of the blessings the Lord overflows in your life? Are you recognizing all His blessings or are you focusing on the obstacles? If so, realize that just like the water of the river flows over and around the rocks, so does God's blessings in our lives. Obstacles are placed in our path to take our focus off of those blessings, but the blessings continue to flow regardless. Our Lord loves us and has great plans for our lives, plans that the enemy can not deter unless we let him.
Again, "Praise God from Whom all blessings flow . . . "
Prayer: Heavenly Father, One Who bestows great blessings, thank You for overflowing my life with Your blessings. Help me to be still and know that You are God. Help me to recognize the blessings, regardless the obstacles. I love You, Lord. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
