Trouble In My Way

III. Troubles Vs. Blessings

When I started this message, I told you that there are those who believe that you have troubles when you are out of God’s will and therefore you are not being blessed. There are those that will tell you that you can only be blessed when you are giving money to the church or doing good deeds. I want to ask you a question “Do you think that Jesus ever woke in the morning asking the question ‘What do I need to do today so that My Father will bless me?” I have read the Bible through many times and I cannot remember one scripture where Jesus asked His Father what could He do that day so that God would bless Him. I cannot remember one scripture that gives us the formula to ensure that we receive a blessing from God everyday. Why, because it is not required. If Jesus is truly our model for our relationship with God (and I believe He is) then the relationship that He has with God the Father should be the relationship that we have with Him also. We do not have to work for God’s blessings. We are blessed because we belong to Him.

If we understand this principle we will understand why our response to troubles can be changed. Jesus never asked His Father what could He do to be blessed. God blessed Him because of His relationship with Him – He was His Son. Let me ask you this question: “What do your kids need to do in order for you to bless them?” Have you ever brought your child a gift without there being a “special” occasion? Have you ever brought home ice cream “just because”? Have you ever given your child a list of things they could do to ensure your blessings? Of course not! We bless our children because of their relationship with us. They are our children. Because they are our children, we will do whatever it takes to ensure they have everything they need. God is the same way. He blesses us because of our relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. We cannot work for the blessing so therefore we cannot earn it. It is a gift from God, just as we do with our children on a daily basis.

What I need you to understand is that we are blessed because of our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We cannot earn a blessing – we cannot make God be indebted to us. Part of the package (benefits/blessings) is help in the time of need. When we recognize that our relationship offers us help in the time of trouble, we do not feel that we are alone. Walter Hawkins sung a song that said, “Everywhere I go there is trouble. Everywhere I go there is strife. Everywhere I go there is something that worries me, but my God is standing by. God is standing by, no need to cry. God is standing near, no need to fear.” This song is truth put to words for truly God is standing by. Will you allow Him to help you?

Conclusion

Living in the kingdom of God doesn’t mean we won’t face trials, disappointments and attacks from Satan. What it does mean is that we have an example to follow – Jesus Christ – in dealing with these situations. When troubles arise, remember God is standing by. You are blessed, not because you are so good and have earned it, but because you are a child of God. May God Bless and keep you.