Daily devotional, Feb 8, 2024 Highway of Blessing
"The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it." Proverbs 10:22
Many years ago as a student driver, I got really clammy whenever my Driving Instructor took me to the big highways. I was intimidated by the wide multi-lane roads that had big intersections, stop signs, and pedestrian lanes. Fast forward as a Christian Mom, I realize that highways can be likened to paths of blessings the Lord makes available for all of us.
If we are only brave enough to get out of the small roads that are easier to negotiate (i.e. our comfort zones), carry our crosses and follow Him, the Lord will be more than willing to bless us. He will give us a blessing of peace that will make us live our lives to the fullest, valuing only what truly matters.
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:4
The blessing however should not end with us. We can be a highway of blessing to others. We can be a blessing for both our fellow believers, and for those who have yet to know Jesus.
We can make for them a diversion road to share the blessings that we receive from the Lord. We do not have to hoard all the material possessions that we have. And as most church leaders say, we have two hands so that we can use one to receive, and the other to give.
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
1 Peter 4:10
We can likewise be an expressway to the faith of others who have yet to know Jesus. By using the time, talent and treasure initially bestowed upon us by the Lord, we can introduce Jesus Christ to those who have yet to hear about His saving grace and mercy.
Think hard right now and come up with two to three names from your social circle who may not yet know Jesus, but truly, truly need Him in their lives? Make a concrete plan to invite them to a simple snack, or coffee, or lunch and then share the gospel with them. Or better yet BRING them to church. Bring because, bringing is taking a bold step of faith in introducing Jesus to someone, while inviting leaves a lot of room for hesitation. Be bold, and you might just send your friend to God’s expressway of grace and mercy.
"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."
2 Timothy 2:2
We can also be God’s highway of blessing by bridging the gap between other people. Let us not think twice about being the peacemaker in our family, place of work, church, and social circles. Let us take it upon ourselves to patch up potholes and deep excavations of hurts in other people’s relationships. Be a highway of blessing to them by bridging them together and giving them the gift of peace.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Matthew 5:9
Let us also be a highway of God’s blessings by providing an alternate route for those who have succumbed to the pleasures of this world. Let us boldly introduce Jesus to them and show them another way of life. A life that shines Jesus light, love, peace and mercy.
We do not have to pressure the hardened ones by insisting that they listen to our gospel sharing. If it feels like they are not interested then we should not give up and instead show them kindness, and be a shining example of how it is to live a life devoted to Jesus.
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16
As Christians we should never be roadblocks in the faith walk of other people. We should never create enmity and strife through gossiping or talking about the prayer requests of our brothers and sisters in faith. Instead, we should intentionally pave the way for them to continue with their faith walk, and let others who still have yet to develop a relationship with Jesus, be inspired to pursue Him today.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Philippians 2:1-11to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Are you a highway of God’s blessing to others?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for building highways upon highways of blessing just to reach me. Give me the confidence to be bold in proclaiming my faith, so that I too could be a highway of blessing to others. Amen.
