As we stepped onto the dance floor for the mother/son dance; my heart overflowed with joy. In the background, a video of Alberto’s life played; therefore, few watched us. Alberto lowered his head onto my shoulder and whispered, “Mom, thank you for always believing and always praying” Then, I whispered, “Oh, but son—this has little to do with me and everything to do with Christ”. His reply, “Yes, mom; but who introduced me to Jesus? You did!.” Immediately, overwhelmed, I realized how blessed my life was. I looked across the room and saw Ron at the table with his family and saw him laughing with his infectious laugh of joy. Beside him, sat my beautiful daughter and her family.
My heart abounding with joy; because, I realized God miraculously fulfilled a promise made 30 years earlier; when, I, facing a crucial crossroad, decided to stay though I wanted to run. God gave me the faith to trust and obey Him against all odds and now, on this my son’s wedding day I knew He had fulfilled the promise that He would protect, guide and lead my children through whatever trial would come. The battles with Pete’s bipolar disorder with its moments of abusive violence, his subsequent death; followed by my cancer and a cascade of financial and health issues that followed. Through it all, God remained faithful. Each step of the way, God gently, patiently lead my heart to know the truth: In Christ, I am blessed beyond measure.
BLESSED, WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
You might wonder how I consider myself so blessed with all the trials and heartaches I faced along this journey. Perhaps, we must first define the word blessed; because, many begin with a misconception of the words. Often, we consider people blessed if they have great financial success or a life without any trials: beautiful family, no turmoil, wonderful job, and on we go with ideas of the word blessed. We find two Greek words in the Bible translated as Blessed. Μακάριος (Makarios) and εὐλογέω (Eulogeo). Μακάριος means satisfaction from experiencing the fullness of God—not lacking in anything. εὐλογέω (Eulogeo) means to speak well of or show favor toward as when God speaks forth His favor toward us.
Let’s look at both of these so as to gain a little deeper understanding of the word “blessed”.
(MAKARIOS) BLESSED
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matthew 5:3-11
At first glance, not exactly what we want to consider: poor in spirit, sorrowful, meek, sinners seeking righteousness, persecuted and hated. That certainly doesn’t denote the ideas of blessed in our society! Yet, the truth remains; without God’s presence in our life–none of this world’s blessings can satisfy our soul. Therefore, those who do not rely on this earth’s pleasure; find their pleasure in God who does come to comfort them in their time of need, protect them in their persecution, and promise them His Best in their life both here and in eternity. Satisfaction and joy come by knowing the fullness of God indwelling, filling, and guiding their every step.
εὐλογέω (Eulogeo) Blessed
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Ephesians 1:3-6
God spoke upon us His Blessings. Furthermore, He has blessed us in Christ Jesus with every spiritual blessing. Despite our unworthiness, our frailties, and our self-exalting hearts, He chose to bestow upon us the righteousness of His precious son; that we might enjoy all the blessings of the son as children, bought and purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ. Think about this!
HOW TO MAKE THIS A REALITY IN YOUR LIFE
Knowing all this in our minds does not always guarantee that our hearts remember our blessed position; because we on this earth tend to look at our difficulties. Often, we fall into moments of despair, not remembering our position in Christ as blessed. Because we see our circumstances as insurmountable, we allow the weight of world fall upon our shoulders. Well, that my dear friends we shall address on Friday. Then, I will give you ten steps to transform how you see life. For now, let me say, blessing begin when you know Jesus Christ as your Savior. If you don’t please go to my page How to Be Saved. Write me, or comment below so I can pray with you, for you. May God richly bless you and open your heart to see His blessings as He pours them forth upon you.
concluding tweets
[tweetthis]Blessed: ‘knowing God and the fullness of His favor’ because of Grace[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”Knowing my position as Blessed and Beloved in Christ, trials are mere stepping stones to Glory.” username=”effiedarlene”]
This is an original Drawing by an amazing artist. Check out his work: http://roninron.com .
You cannot copy or duplicate this picture without permission; because of copyright laws.
featured photograph compliments of https://unsplash.com/@lucabravo
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.