The Blessed Life

“God must think you’re pretty special to give you all that to handle.”

2 Timothy 2:1-13

Reference: Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:3 NIV)

Explore: The other day I was chatting to a new friend, explaining my family. To recap: our 20 year old foster daughter has just had a baby and our two young foster sons keep us on our toes with their constant energy.

I was telling my new friend one of the many stories about the crazy goings on in our household, when she said something that took me by surprise.

“God must think you’re pretty special to give you all that to handle.”

At the time I just laughed it off. But, as it wasn’t the first time someone has said something like this to me, I’ve thought a little more about this.

1. God does think I’m special… just like He thinks all of His followers are special. It’s not about a big ego, it’s knowing that we are adored by our Creator.

2. We are all called to go above and beyond our status quo. Just because of the trials we face in our family, doesn’t mean I’m any more special than the next person. It just means that I’ve put my own comfort aside to live the life Jesus has called me to.

3. If Jesus went through tough times, and my desire is to be the best follower of Christ that I can be, then I should prepare for some tough times too. As humans we have this misconception that when we become a Christian our lives will become easy. Do you remember how Jesus’ life ended? He faced persecution throughout His whole ministry. What makes us think we can do it better?

4. A blessed life isn’t a perfect life. Just because you don’t have all your ducks lined up in a row doesn’t mean you’re not blessed. God can bring the greatest blessings through the toughest times.

Application: The Apostle Paul was one of Jesus’ disciples who was well aware of suffering. He went through some incredible trials.

And yet, in all his letters to followers and faith communities, he never warns the believers away from the trials but almost invites them in. Paul clearly felt that his life was richer from following Christ in such a way and he desired for others to experience that richness too.

Your richness may not come in chains like Paul’s, it may not come with foster children like mine, but make sure you do experience the richness that God has in store for you. It will bring hardship and often suffering, but it will also bring blessing beyond belief.

Prayer: Lord, the path to following You is not always simple or easy. But may we step forward, with confidence, knowing that You do think we are special. Amen.

What are some of the trials you are facing due to your desire to follow Christ?

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