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1 Thessalonians 5:18 – Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Have you ever seen blessings in disguise in your life? You know, those things which — at the time — seemed to be inconveniences or obstacles, but later proved to be for the very best? Sometimes, these stumbling blocks are just annoyances, but sometimes, they are serious challenges. My most recent example was having my furnace fail in the middle of a cold snap in the dead of winter. The furnace had been functioning perfectly well when it was tested a week before, but without warning, it suddenly stopped working. A week later, I had a brand-new furnace humming along down in my crawl space. This was not my plan, but it was a necessity that had to be dealt with. God not only carried me through the inconvenience of the non-functioning furnace, but also took me step by step through the resolution of the problem.
So, what blessing could be derived from such an inopportune challenge? First, because I am a widow having to navigate life's daily problems on my own, I realized that I had unexpected strength. Successfully walking through this experience from start to finish increased my self-confidence. I also learned that people around me are more than willing to help. My son-in-law was able to give me sound advice. Honest workmen went out of their way to install a new furnace as soon as possible during our cold snap. God's love and care were abundantly evident.
Sometimes, the blessing of God's care and provision is revealed to us later on so that we can then thank Him with a full heart. Other times, we must simply accept the bad along with the good in our lives and move on, possibly never knowing the reason for the trial. I'm comforted by the knowledge that God is in full control of every event in our lives. Because He can see the end from the beginning, He knows how the happenings in our lives will fit together perfectly. An apt illustration of this is a weaving or tapestry. The underneath side — our vantage point — is full of knots and confusing patterns, while the right side — God's perspective — reveals the beautifully intended design.
Seldom do we gladly welcome life's challenges and difficulties, but we can still rest assured that all the details in our lives are part of God's sovereign plan. He will give us strength to withstand every hardship, and sometimes allow us to peek behind the curtain to see the reason that He had in mind. We can be thankful for the turbulent times in life as well as for our quiet, peaceful moments.
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for the blessings of both the good times and the bad times in life. We are grateful that You plan our lives in every detail and work things together perfectly for our good and Your glory. Amen.
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Thanks Gail.
Beautiful and so true. Blessings.
Thank you, Gail. I’m also a widow and have experienced similar blessings. God is good.
I am having a tough week and especially appreciate this reminder about who is in charge.
Thank you, Gail, for sharing this instructive devotional with us. May we always choose to follow the golden rule. Blessings.
Thank you, Gail, for your “Hidden Blessings” devotional today such a wonderful reinforcement of God’s wonderful blessings and care.
Oh, amen and amen! “Sometimes we get to peek behind the curtain.”
Love this, and so true!
Blessings on your day.
Thank you, Gail, for your devotional. It brought me great comfort and encouragement.
Have a good day and may God continue to richly bless you.
Wonderful to read about another widow. I lost my husband several years ago. I need the Lord more than ever! Thank you for your insight and encouragement.
(Manitoba)
Thanks for your devotional. I too, after my husband was promoted to Glory, had a lot to learn. Nothing is a surprise to God, but it often is to us. I have learned to rely more on His guidance on this journey of life.
Hi Gail
Thank you for this devotional. It is so true God is always with us. We wouldn’t appreciate the sun if we didn’t have rain. God is so faithful and great testimony you have about the furnace. God taking a negative turning it into a positive. Love it!!
God bless.
Greetings Gail,
A great devotional! I liked the way you illustrated the way God weaves happenings in our life that may seem a mess to us and how He smooths things out into a beautiful finish.
Blessings to you and glad to hear that your heating problems are fixed. God is good!
(B.C.)
Dear Gail – thank you for this message. I think it was written just for me. Recently, I was in a car accident. No one was hurt, but my new SUV was written off. I am still more angry than I should be about this whole situation and am still waiting to find out what lesson/good God will make of this. Your devotional is making me think about this again to find any hidden blessings. And I think there are some. God Bless you.
Dear Gail,
Thank you for calling me to obedience regarding the not so good things that happen. I just bought a new ENERGY EFFICIENT cookstove. That is all I can buy here. It is great for heating thing up packaged meals in light weight pots and pans. But I am a cook from scratch kind of cook. But I need to stop my grumbling and look for the blessings to come. I hadn’t even thought about that until I read your devotion. Thanks for writing.
(CA.)
Good morning Gail,
I’m recently widowed also. Nothing is a setback, nothing is an obstacle, as losing the only person in the world that loved me, this has been the hardest obstacle in my life. He supported me on all my adventures. Suddenly, he passed. He could do the things I did around the house, but I can’t do the things he did. I know what you’re saying though. Little things, but they are not obstacles, merely, stepping stones to continue on. May we attach ourselves to the love of God, for He is our peace.
O Gail! What a beautiful devotional about God’s care. So delighted to read your well-written inspiration directly from Scripture. How wonderful it is to share in this work of faith together.
Dear Gail,
Thanks for your devotional where I found this keynote:
I’m comforted by the knowledge that God is in full control of every event in our lives. Because He can see the end from the beginning, He knows how the happenings in our lives will fit together perfectly.
Hi Gail,
Thank you for your devotional.
I am always, even yet, surprised at the strength we get to do the things we have to do and the problems which come our way, sometimes at the most unexpected times.
Blessings.