St. Luke shares how Jesus tells us how generous God is to those who persevere in prayer, “He will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.” (Lk 11:8) I know it can seem sometimes as if God does not hear our prayer, or if He does, He doesn’t answer–at least now how and when we want. But how many times have I looked back and, with hindsight, seen how He did, in fact, answer my prayer. And how often was His answer and timing way better than anything I could have imagined, or known to ask for? I am truly blessed! How wonderful are the blessings He gives.
What do blessings look like? My “a-ha” realization of what a blessing looks like came when I finally ceded control of my budget to God. That made it easier to simplify my life. I prioritized spending and made God the first category of expense, which allowed us to redirect money to go to support charities that do Works of Mercy. That brings me joy. This obedience to God’s commands to gives us more freedom on how we spend the rest of our budget. This reduces stress and worry in our financial life. These are the blessings I receive, and more.
The more is – the truth that we can trust that God always hears our prayers. We can trust that He has our best interests at heart. He provides abundantly. We can trust that when we sincerely repent, He always forgives our sins. He lavishes us with His love and mercy. With these gifts of love, mercy, and forgiveness, confident in their availability to us for the asking in faith, we get His peace, His joy, kindness, gentleness, self-control, and grace – God persistently giving Himself to us. In other words – Blessings!
Receiving God’s blessings is not a tit-for-tat proposition whereby we give and pray and so are rewarded with earthly, material benefits. God may choose to provide those to us, or He may not. He is in control. We are to pray and trust.
St. Padre Pio said it this way, “Pray, hope, don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayers.” Persevere in prayer and receive the best of God’s blessings. Pray, give, trust, hope, and find the peace of mind you truly seek.
Photo Credit: Robert Davis
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