One curse, One blessing

Brothers and Sisters,

Shalom and God be with you. Carrying on with what has been said for the past week or so, I think it befitting to supplement what has been said, so as to minimize misconception.

The week encompasses messages that are less “fluffy” and acceptable than before. Frankly put, this is one of the seemingly harsher facets in our Christian faith. Often, the idea of complete submission to God, being nothing in comparison, and having Him to be of paramount importance: these ideas are not mentioned immediately upon evangelization. It is hard to convert someone by walking up to them and suggesting that their material life is meaningless, especially in ACS(I) whereby material desires and blessings are prevalent.

The messages said by Zhanfeng, Karlo and I placed respective emphases not taking God for granted. There exists many times whereby we forget who we are dealing with, who we are worshipping. Do not take God as a dispenser of blessings, as put by Karlo very well. Do not merely seek your will, but accept His will as your goal.

Having said so much, it is definitely not wrong to ask for blessings either. The Bible does mention that God is willing to hear our requests and pleas, and we acknowledge that the Holy Spirit is the Comforter within the Holy Tripartite.

John 16:24 “Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” NIV

This is by no means a blank cheque from Heaven, nor an excuse to exhibit our inexorable covetous nature. It is nothing more than God justifying our right to make requests to Him.

We have to expect the right things when we ask God for blessings.

Many times I hear classmates, peers and church-mates praying, week after week, for their A levels, IB or whatever relevant curriculum. Consider our requests. If we pray to God for good results, is it more likely that He magically generates a 45-point diploma? Or is God more likely to show you the right way to get it, helping you progressively until you, in understanding and acceptance, realize that it is you who have achieved it with His will and guidance?

If we pray to God for stronger faith, does He encapsulate us with warm, fuzzy feelings and satiation, or does He open up more doors and avenues of service to show ourselves we are capable of such faith? If we pray for strength, does He fill us with steroidal supplements of a physical and mental nature? Or does He send us MORE chances to push ourselves, to show ourselves that we are strong?

A blessing does not have to look pleasant when it comes, it just has to come. God blesses us regardless if we ask for it, regardless if we expect it, regardless if we want it, regardless if we like it. Before continual prayer in demand, perhaps consider what God has already given.

Sometimes the bane of our existence is a message from God.

Keson