“Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”
Ephesians 1:3
An odd thing happened after I passed the twenty-five-year mark of life in a wheelchair. I realized that if I should suddenly fall into bad health, I would not be able to complain. “Lord,” I reasoned, “You’ve blessed me for forty years with a body that, although paralyzed, has been virtually free of disease and infections. I will praise Your mercies for the good things I have had, and I will praise Your justice for the difficult things to come.”
Frankly, I’ve been inspired by some of my disabled friends who, for years, have remained patient through intractable pain. Some are also visually impaired and paralyzed. A few have been abandoned by their families. These loved ones may not possess many earthly blessings, but they are as rich through abundant spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. To them, God has given so much through the greatness of His mercies, and He has denied them so little. That’s a perspective straight from the heavenly realms!
What are our spiritual blessings? Peace that is profound. A soul that is settled. Assurance of joy. Grace to let go and give. Life eternal, rich and free. A home in heaven. A best friend in God. Truly, we have more than the angels.
“Luther says: ‘The sea of God’s mercies should swallow up all our particular afflictions.’ If you pour a pailful of water on the floor, it makes a great show, but if you throw it into the sea, there is no sign of it. Afflictions considered in themselves are great. But let them be considered in the sea of God’s mercies and then they are not so much. They are nothing in comparison.” – Jeremiah Burroughs*
I am content, Lord, with every spiritual blessing You have given me in Christ.
Blessings,
