We have a natural desire for “more” – more pleasure, appreciation, accolades, wealth, attention, cooperation, talent, success – the list goes on and on. We often want the blessings for ourselves that we see others enjoying. We may even harbor frustration or resentment about others’ blessings. It is in these moments that we need to shift our mindset from the resulting blessing to the preparation that preceded it. The question is not whether God cares for us, the question is whether we are prepared to receive what He has for us.

The Lord definitely wants to bless us. Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope a future.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 says “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

We receive many blessings simply through God’s grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 says “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

God gives according to His love. We receive according to our faith. Matthew 9:29 is part of a scripture where Jesus healed the blind and mute. It reads: “Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you.” Our blessings are not solely for our personal edification, but to position us to bless other people and therefore glorify God. We must exercise great faith to walk in the fullness of God and the blessings that He has for us. We must go before the Lord in prayer and ask Him to prepare our hearts to receive all that He has for us. 1 Corinthians 2:9 reads “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”  Faith and love are intertwined in our Christian journey. We cannot have one without the other. In fact, faith is an expression of love. Galatians 5:6 ends by stating “What is important is faith expressing itself in love.”

We need to check our motives and seek God’s face instead of His hand. Blessings are a byproduct of a rich relationship with the Lord. When we are selfish and minimize our time, attention, and emphasis on God, we are not in a position to receive all that He has for us. However, as we spiritually mature and transition from a self-centered to a Christ-centered existence, our lives become richer and fuller. We are more aware of God’s blessings including wisdom, favor, peace, protection, provision, grace, and mercy in our everyday existence. As our relationship grows, our faith grows. We acknowledge our increasing dependence on God, giving Him a myriad of opportunities to be a waymaker and bless our lives abundantly as stated in John 15:5-8: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”