Undeserved Blessings

January 06, 2005

Author: Rev. Kip B. Banks, Sr.













"God .
. . has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in
Christ.  (Ephesians 1:3)



      

Today's devotion, taken from Our Daily Bread, reminds us of God's many
undeserved blessings.  Indeed, as we ponder the Tsunami crisis in Southeast
Asia, we can really understand how truly blessed we are.




                      

Undeserved Blessings




       Tennis superstar Arthur Ashe died of AIDS, which he contracted from a
blood transfusion during heart surgery. More than a great athlete, Ashe was a
gentleman who inspired and encouraged many with his exemplary behavior on and
off the court.



       Ashe could have become embittered and self-pitying in the face of his
disease, but he maintained a grateful attitude. He explained, "If I asked, 'Why
me?' about my troubles, I would have to ask, 'Why me?' about my blessings. Why
my winning Wimbledon? Why my marrying a beautiful, gifted woman and having a
wonderful child?"



       Ashe's attitude rebukes those of us who often grumble, "Why me? Why is
God allowing this to happen?" Even if we're suffering acutely, we must not
forget the mercies God pours into our lives—such things as food, shelter, and
friends — blessings that many are deprived of.



       And what about spiritual blessings? We can hold the very Word of God in
our hands and read it. We have the knowledge of His saving grace, the comfort of
His Spirit, and the joyful assurance of life everlasting with Jesus.



       Think about God's blessings and ask, "Why me?" Then your grumbling will
give way to praise. —Vernon Grounds


Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by. —Oatman


        With unwanted burdens come undeserved blessings.



May God's Peace Be Multiplied Unto You!

Pastor Kip Banks




East Washington Heights Baptist Church