The Blessing – Golden Cage Devotionals

The rewarder is the reward

The Christian life is filled with God’s gifts – His blessings. This is in no way an attempt to count them all, but I want to name just a few.

The stability and assurance that no matter what happens, I have a refuge. “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1 NLT

The sure hope that no matter what the enemy devises against me on this journey, he will ultimately fail. “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” Isaiah 54:17a NKJV

The promise that I will overcome it all and victory is and will always be mine in Christ. “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33b NLT

The assurance that all I need will be provided for me. And that God already knows what I need before I even ask. “For your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” Matthew 6:8b NLT

As I grow, I see more and more the blessings of serving and living devoted to God. The rewards of a far from perfect, but sincere walk with him. Like Hebrews 11:6b (NKJV) says, “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.”

He is so careful with the details of my life. He’s faithful to continue to change me and make me more like him. And he is not deterred by my kicking and screaming. (I’m still growing!) I can say with certainty, even in uncertain times, there is no place of greater security, peace, provision and blessing than the will of God.

I’m so overwhelmed when I think about all the ways he has made, all the impossible situations I’ve found myself in that he has delivered me from. All the blessings that I don’t deserve. The favor. The goodness and mercy that I can’t outrun. It’s all so overwhelming for someone like me who doesn’t even deserve it.

The goodness and mercy that I can’t outrun.

But without question, my greatest gift, is the Giver. To know him and to be known by him. It’s everything. He’s the blessing! Everything else is an added gift.

Today, I encourage you (and me) to freshly recommit to seeking him first and reassessing our priorities to be sure that what we value most is always him.

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, and your exceedingly great reward.” Genesis 15:1 NKJV

He’s the rewarder.

He’s the reward.

It’s still yours

One day in heaven will be worth it all. There are treasures stored up for us in heaven. One day, God will make it alright.

It’s true. And I’m glad about it.

But what about today? What about now? Are we to simply endure life on earth because of the hope of heaven? Well honestly, the hope of heaven would be enough. But God is so gracious, that he doesn’t make us wait until that day to partake in his blessings. His underserved blessings. Undeserved.

God has a blessing for us. Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) states “’For I know the plans I have for you.’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) tells us this, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” So God not only has a plan for us, but it’s a good one, personalized with forethought, and according to his own will. What a blessing to be included in the plan of God. In a world where rejection and isolation are so real, God doesn’t leave us out. He includes us. Knowing all he knows about us, every secret and hidden thing, all the touchy topics from our past that we keep quiet about, he still choses us. That will never, not blow me away.

Consider Jacob. A trickster and a deceiver. But look at what God told him in Genesis 28:15 (NLT) “What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.” In spite of his past, in spite of his flaws, in spite of himself, the blessings that God had for Jacob, belonged to Jacob.

Now, understand me, God has left us very specific standards concerning how we should live and we have to honor our part in his promises so as not to hinder the blessings that he wants to give us. But what I’m getting at is this, the blessing on our lives is not because of us, it’s because of God. It’s not merit based. We can’t earn it. He blesses us because he chooses to bless us. It’s all because of Christ.

What God has for us may look different, but rest assured that what’s yours is yours. No one can take it. With this knowledge, we can lay aside envy and jealousy. We can be truly happy for someone who has what we want, knowing that God has a blessing for us, too. And he only gives good gifts. The concept is simple in theory, tough in practice. But the Holy Spirit is our constant Helper as we seek to learn and put God’s word into practice. John 14:26 (ESV) says “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

Rest in knowing that God won’t leave you until he’s finished giving you everything he’s promised you. Be encouraged today. The blessing is still yours.