…Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength… For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when good comes… —Jeremiah 17:5–6
ONE OF THE saddest things about a man who trusts in his strengths and self-efforts—“who…makes flesh his strength”— is that he cannot see good when it comes his way. As a pastor, I have seen, down through the years, people who don’t put their trust in the Lord when it comes to their marriages, finances and other areas of weakness. They are determined to trust in their own efforts, and tend to be rather arrogant and frustrated with the people around them. Many a time, when you observe people like that, you realize that they cannot see the good things that are right under their noses. They don’t appreciate their spouses, neglect their children and even when other blessings come their way, they miss them!
People living under grace can truly enjoy the blessings around them because they know that these blessings are undeserved!
Why is it that they can’t see good when it comes? It is because people who trust in their own efforts have no ability to see and receive blessings from the Lord. They only believe in the “good” that can come from their own efforts. That is why they are proud. You would probably notice that such people don’t say “thank you” very often to the people around them. They feel like they are entitled to and deserve whatever they receive. They are rarely grateful or appreciative, and that is why they take their spouses for granted instead of seeing them as a blessing from the Lord.
In contrast, people who are living under grace and who trust in the Lord’s unmerited favor are constantly thankful, praising God and giving thanks to Jesus. They are grateful and appreciative of the people around them. When I was still a bachelor, I had an idea of the kind of wife I wanted and brought my request to the Lord. But you know what? He over-answered my prayer and gave me Wendy! I am truly grateful to the Lord for Wendy and I know that it is the unmerited favor of Jesus. When I look at my daughter Jessica, I know that I don’t deserve such a beautiful daughter, and yet the Lord gave this precious girl to me. You see, my friend, I did nothing to deserve it, but the Lord blessed me with an amazing family.
When you live under grace, you can truly enjoy the blessings around you because you know that they are undeserved. Look at the family, friends and other blessings that God has given you today. See how He has blessed you with them because He loves you. And when you see them as blessings, they will enrich your life (Proverbs 10:22)!
Today’s Prayer
Father, I thank You that I am under Your unmerited favor. When You send blessings my way, I will see, appreciate and enjoy them. I know that I don’t deserve any blessing from You, but You bless me nonetheless, because You love me and because of what Jesus has done for me at the cross. Father, for all that You have and are going to bless me with, I give You thanks, praise and glory.
Today’s Thought
Every blessing in my life has come because of God’s unmerited favor on me—how can I not be thankful for what I have!
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Prince, Joseph. 100 Days Of Favor, Daily Readings From Unmerited Favor.