BENEFITS

This is a popular concept to be sure. Something added to a given option to make it even better.

But what is a benefit to one person may not be so to another. Today I was a work and we were discussing changes.

And the one thing that came to mind was about the current state of the economy. You can’t turn on the news without hearing about the problems.

I am grateful that the Lord has blessed me with employment and my wife too. We are hardly rich.

Not as well off as some, but better than others. Still at the moment when I was coping with some problems I was prompted to pause.

To give thanks that I was provided for. That it might not be all I would dream out of life, but it was a benefit.

And so often I wonder if we truly do always remember that part of life. God doesn’t have to make us a given option in our mind.

The question is can we be content with what we have? Can we see it as a benefit when others are complaining.

I am amazed at times how longsuffering the Lord truly is. To be able to watch us be so selfish and ungrateful, yet still provide.

Admittedly this is more difficult when crisis comes. And so easy to get discouraged. But can we face it with any source of praise.

I will always admire and respect the Apostle Paul for how he was able to praise the Lord even when he was in prison. Even after the beatings.

His was in no way an easy life. And so many times his reward for faithfulness meant being faced with criticisms.

I can imagine how that must have been hard to endure. To sit and be obedient and rather that get approval you get complaints.

To have those he tried to help wound him. And still have to love them just the same. What a burden that was to carry.

Yet he did it with grace and faith. And to do it without losing hope. And I wonder if I could have done the same.

One benefit is not having to find out.