How do you respond to God’s blessing?

Just the other day, while standing outside the bank, I witnessed an endearing sight.

A man using the ATM about 10yards from me got on his knees and raised his hands, I couldn’t see his face clearly, but I could sense it was a holy moment.

Imagine being so grateful that you kneel in front of an ATM, not just kneel but also raise your hands.

Whatever happened must have been so good that he shunned ‘propriety’ and did not concern himself with how it looked.

As an observer, I was moved by this experience.

It reminded me of the many times God had done incredible things for me. I remember once kneeling in an airport lobby to praise God for his miraculous provision.

What about you?

Have you ever had moments where you were so moved with gratitude that you found yourself acting out of turn – perhaps you screamed at the top of your lungs, danced around, hugged random people, or just knelt and lifted your hands?

A miracle will do that to you.

In this post, I will share five things we can do when God blesses us.

How to respond to God’s blessings

1. Praise Him

“Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.”

This is usually the first thing we do when we experience a breakthrough or miracle. We praise and thank God.

But how intentional are we about the process of praise?

Do we only praise God in the heat of the moment – when we receive our answer, or do we continue to praise Him long after His provision/help?

I pray you take the time to express your gratitude to your faithful and loving father. Don’t be in a hurry to do but be intentional and steadfast in this process.

 

2. Journal it

“For the Lord will rebuild Zion and appear in his glory. He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea. Let this be written for a future generation, that the people not yet created may praise the lord.”

Psalm 102:16-18

Did you catch that last part “…that the people not yet created may praise the Lord.’?

Wow!

Keeping a record of God’s goodness and mercies doesn’t just serve us but those to come.

Imagine if King David had not written the Psalms or we didn’t have the many Christian books and stories we continually turn to in various seasons of life? This was what reading George Mueller’s journal, a few years ago, did for me. I was struck by his experiences of God’s faithfulness, especially the ‘last-minute’ miracles. Reading Mr. Mueller’s story helped build my trust in God, particularly in those uncertain moments we all experience.

So, write it down. I have shared more about journaling here.

 

3. Share with others

“The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.”

John 19:35

Our testimonies do several things:

1. 1. Encourage those who hear it
   2. Strengthen our faith and confidence in God
   3. Are a weapon we use to overcome the devil and the gates of hell.

Let’s put this in perspective; the Bible says, “death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat of its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21)

When we testify of God’s goodness, we are speaking life into ourselves and others, we are creating a powerful and life-giving force for good. Which means our testimonies matter.

However, we must allow the Holy Spirit to direct us in how we share and when we share our stories.

 

4. Make time for Him

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

“Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

John 17:3(NIV)

I believe our experiences of God’s goodness and faithfulness should lead us to spend more time with him. Not in the transactional sense but with an understanding that God’s character does not change. He is ever faithful and true.

We experience more peace and joy not because he pours out his blessings but because he loves us and knows what’s best for us.

 We can trust our father to lead us in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.’

5. Expect more

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen

Ephesians 3:20(NIV)

God is in the business of taking care of his children.

I didn’t make this up, the Bible is literally God’s love letter to a lost generation. A generation he was calling, is calling and will continue to call back to himself. God longs to provide for us, to give us a future and hope (see Jeremiah 29:11). Not just to make us happy but for his glory and pleasure.

Imagine that it gives God pleasure to commune with you.

Knowing this, wouldn’t it be foolhardy to run from Him or believe the enemy’s lies? Shouldn’t we hunger for this immutable relationship with him? I pray you do.

 

A PRAYER FOR YOU –

Dear one, I pray you that remember to rejoice in all seasons of life.

I pray that you will be open and receptive to all that God longs to do in and through you. Remember that you are a conduit of His love and light, let it fill you and overflow so that all who know will glorify His name.

May he give you the wisdom and strength to seek after His kingdom and its righteousness. May you continually learn to embrace a child-like grace and curiosity, laughing in the face of adversity and dancing in the midst of fear. In all this, I pray you enjoy this one life you have been given. Amen