BLESSED

Photo by Gage Walker on Unsplash 

“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28 

A few nights ago, I watched a show about exploring the African rainforest in Moukalaba Doudou National Park in Gabon in search of an undiscovered population of chimpanzees. It didn’t seem like a very hospitable place as it was full of snakes, crocodiles, palm-sized spiders, stinging ants, thorny plants, and millions of mosquitoes. It also started raining heavily in the middle of their journey. As the exploders huddled under some big leaves, the guide explained that in Africa rain is considered a blessing. He said, “And so we are blessed.” Even though it was a difficult environment with many challenges, the explorers agreed they were blessed. They were thriving by each other’s encouragement and support.  

What makes you feel blessed? In Luke 11 Jesus suggests to a listening crowd that we are blessed when we hear and obey the word of God. It takes us to Genesis 12 when God promises blessing to Abraham and sends him to bless others. We are blessed to be a blessing. Where can we say, “We are blessed!” even in the midst of challenges? When we listen to scripture and live out God’s word that encourages us to love our neighbor, share mercy, and live justly – we are blessed. Even in the midst of a difficult environment and many challenges, we can count our blessings, live in gratitude, and bless others with God’s love as we share encouragement and support in a multitude of ways. Thank you for all the ways you bless others and may you feel the blessing of God’s peace and love in your heart.

Look for the blessings, Pastor Andrea