Messages are being sent and received at all times. And no, I’m not talking about text messages… I’m talking about real life things. The look your mom gives you when you say an inappropriate comment; that’s a message: a harsh message. The light that comes on in your car when you need gas; that’s a message. Each word that is spoken or put before you is a message too. Some are big, some are small, and some are just plain confusing. Their different forms and meanings leave a variety of impacts on each of us.
I think one of the best messages that I’ve read in a while was a quote I saw on the app “Sprinkle of Jesus.” (If, you have never heard of it, I recommend downloading because it speaks some truth and provides little notifications throughout the day.) Anyway, the other day after enjoying my freshly brewed coffee to pep up my groggy mindset, I glanced down at my phone. In my “all I can think about is how much I don’t want to go to work” state, I happened to see a mind-altering quote:
“Stop expecting your blessing to be financial or materialistic. God just may have added some time to your life instead.”
This quote led me to the realization of an even larger message that many of us forget to remember. So often, we look to God to bless us with something palpable. We seek to pray for things that we can see and obtain. These can include materialistic things, money, or in our biggest hopes for the skies to open up and the Heavens above to proclaim some loud and large message. However, stop right there. It is not God’s job to show you that He is working within your life through something that you can see or feel, but to bless you in ways that you cannot comprehend. It tends to feel like not getting our desired message is a let down - a total waste of time. Why did I even try if I didn't get what I wanted? It is in our selfish nature to believe that we are entitled to what we want but sometimes what we want is not what’s in our best interest.
This life we live is based on trust. Trust in others, ourselves, and ultimately whatever God you believe in. It’s a trust to know that through the obvious blessings, overwhelming obstacles, and even the little moments that go unnoticed, life will work itself out. There’s a better blessing waiting for you than the one you’re hoping for. Don’t let the absence of an apparent outcome keep you from living a life of hope and courage. Hope for the unexpected blessings. Have the courage to continue when there is no tangible message. And, know that whether this article finds you on a rainy day when you needed it most or when living life feels like the greatest adventure, I pray it sends you a message.
