My oldest grandson recently bought a house. He is a single, young man who works as a mechanic. He doesn’t have a lot of money, but by living simply, staying out of debt, and saving his money, he was able to buy a small, older home. It’s going to require some work and renovation, but Cody is capable. However, because he is not a wealthy man, he lacked what was needed to make the house a home. But not for long!! An abundance of household goods was given to him! I am not just talking about the usual dishes and pots and pans. He received nice used furniture, expensive tools and equipment, good quality materials and supplies, and groceries, too! These things were given to him, not just from friends and family, but from mere acquaintances and people he barely knew. One day as he was recounting to me some of the things he had been given, I said to him, “God sure is blessing you.” He responded, “Yes, and I don’t know why!” His response made me smile, but there’s a lot of truth in what he said.

It reminds me of an interaction my son once had with his father. When my husband passed away four years ago, my son shared the story in the eulogy he gave at the funeral, so I am quoting him. (Note: his father was also his pastor.) One service many years ago I came up to this altar and was balling my eyes out. Many times I have given my heart to the Lord and many times I have fallen away, and this particular time I was just beating myself up because I could not get around the fact that I didn’t deserve God’s grace. Pastor, my Dad, seeing I was struggling and with his hand on my shoulder, asked me what was wrong. And upon hearing me say, ‘I don’t deserve this’…he laughed! He chuckled and responded ‘None of us do!’ And that was just what I needed to hear. Not just those words, but his laugh, too.

Indeed, if we deserved it, it wouldn’t be grace! And the same is true of God’s blessings. The blessings we receive are from God’s goodness, not ours.

The goodness of God is that which disposes Him to be kind, cordial, benevolent, and full of goodwill toward men. He is tender hearted and of quick sympathy, and His unfailing attitude toward all moral beings is open, frank, and friendly. By His nature He is inclined to bestow blessedness and He takes holy pleasure in the happiness of His people. –A. W. Tozer

Blessings cannot be earned. I realize there are principles and promises in the Bible that those who seek and serve God will be blessed, but this does not mean we are entitled or deserve to be blessed. It is always God’s love for us that sends blessings our way. This is why we come to Him with humility and gratitude. The blessings we receive from Him are because of His grace and mercy towards us. The answers to our prayers, the unexpected surprises and precious moments, the unexplainable peace and abundant joy are all blessings of grace!

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. –Psalm 145:8-9 (NIV) Oh, give thanks unto the Lord for He is good! –Psalm 118:1

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