A few weeks ago, I was stopped by the police on my way home from working a 12-hour shift at my hospital job. But before I got pulled over, the Lord whispered in my spirit that I would get pulled over. The patrol car was on the other side of the intersection. God’s voice was a little odd to hear because I was a law-abiding citizen…until that night. So, when the lights came flashing, I pulled over, unsure of what I had done. I wasn’t speeding and I had not gone through a red light.
I MISSED CHECKING THE BOX
As the officer approached me, he told me my registration had expired. I was surprised because I had bought my car a few months prior and received a new license plate. Who knew that even if you get a new car, it only ultimately renews your registration if you check a box on the paperwork when you buy it. I missed checking the box. God then reminded me of His blessing: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” (Philippians 4:23)
DAVID’S “LIABILITIES” WERE BLESSINGS
I wonder how often God blesses us when we don’t realize it at first. Certainly, I didn’t view the traffic stop as a blessing, but it prevented me from further problems with the DMV. But then, I think of David in the Bible when he defeats Goliath. His short stature probably didn’t seem like a blessing, or his ability to shoot a slight shot, but it was. Ultimately, God used David’s ability to help further his kingdom. God used what seemed like a liability as a blessing.
It’s in how we choose to view it. C.S. Lewis stated, “Surely what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best evidence for what sort of man he is.”
TIME TO RECONSIDER
So next time, reconsider what you think of as an inconvenience, annoyance, or frustration. This is from God and God gives blessings, regardless of how we view them.
MY INCONVENIENCE WAS A BLESSING
In the words of David: You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised. I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge. I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees. My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver. (Psalm 119: 54-72) Was I tired after working a 12-hour shift? Yes, but I was thankful that I got pulled over after work. What I considered an inconvenience was a blessing from God.
I think it’s all about how you view the blessings God has given you. Remember how God gave David exactly the right blessings? Probably David never originally saw them as gifts from God. What has God given you?
Click for further thoughts on this: “Blessing” doesn’t always mean what you think.
The contributor for this blog is Ashley Sullivan. She is a social worker and the founder of Broken Until Now. She lives in Willow Street with her dog, Jake. Ashley is a lover of Jesus, coffee, and gymnastics. You can reach her at brokenuntilnow@gmail.com.
