The Blessing of Burden

The other morning I was reading Genesis 16 in which Hagar fled because she was being mistreated by Sarai (Abram's wife).  In verse 9, God tells her to return to Sarai and submit to her - or as The Message says, "put up with her abuse".  God goes on to tell her how He will bless her with descendants "to numerous to count."  So it struck me that we usually think of a blessing being something really good - not something really difficult.  I almost titled this, "Don't Confuse The Blessed Life With the Comfortable Life".

We just went through the Christmas Season.  Think about Mary.  The angel told her she was "highly favored".  We'd all like to be highly favored of God, wouldn't we?  Do you think she felt blessed when friends and family thought she was a bad girl for getting pregnant before getting married?  Do you think she felt blessed while riding a donkey for over 100 miles when she was 9  months pregnant?  Do you think she felt blessed as she watched her son tortured and killed on a cross?

Then there was Paul, in the New Testament.  God never told him he'd be blessed, but Paul did say that multiple times he asked for a thorn to be removed.  All indications are that it never way.

How often, when we pray, we ask for God's blessing on this or that.  It might be an event coming up or perhaps it's a prayer for relief from a situation we or a loved one are in.  I certainly think those prayers are OK - and invited by God.  But, it is also important to ask what does God want to teach me through what is happening.  John Ortberg said, "Often, what God is doing in you - while you are waiting - may be more important that what you're waiting for."  Interesting.  Hard to wrestle with.  Easier said then done.

As Pastor Brett continues his sermons regarding sanctification, let us consider what God is doing - how He might be transforming us - through all situations of our life.