God’s blessings abound

On one occasion, I heard a story about author, Hannah Whitall Smith (February 7, 1832 – May 1, 1911). There was a time when Hannah was passing through a great deal of questioning and perplexity in her life.

On one occasion, I heard a story about author, Hannah Whitall Smith (February 7, 1832 – May 1, 1911). There was a time when Hannah was passing through a great deal of questioning and perplexity in her life. She struggled with doubts and confusion, as she found herself slipping into moments of anger, bitterness, and irritability.

Drifting into despair and doubting that circumstances will ever get better, Hannah could have pondered, “I just don’t see a way out. I’ve reached my limit. Maybe I should just give up now.” For, sometimes, life can take a strange twist. You could feel stuck, lost or it might look as though you are moving away from fulfilling the dreams of your heart.

Unable to change herself, Hannah prayed for change. Hurting and searching for an answer, Hannah was told about a deeply spiritual woman in town and was advised to speak to her about her troubles. Thus, Hannah, summoned her courage. And one afternoon, she went to see the woman at her home.

Waiting at the door, the wise woman purportedly said kindly, “Come inside. Sit down, and tell me what’s wrong.” Hannah began to pour out her troubles, as the woman listened patiently. She took a deep breath and continued to explain her on-going dilemmas. Hannah thought that no one had ever had such peculiar difficulties as hers. She expected sympathy. She expected that the woman would take an interest and, moreover, would do all she could to help her.

However, when Hannah had finished her story, the woman paused for a second. Then, the woman simply stated, “Yes, all you say may be very true, but then, in spite of it all, there is God.”

Perplexed, Hannah waited a few minutes for advice or some conversation. Yet, nothing came. The woman had the air of having said all that was necessary to say.

“But,” Hannah continued, “Surely you don’t understand how very serious and perplexing my difficulties are for me.” The woman quickly replied, “Oh, yes, I did. But then, as

I told you, there is God.”

A bit confused, Hannah had a puzzled look on her face. As the end of their visit approached, Hannah stood up. They said their good-byes, and she left.

Nevertheless, in her great pain, Hannah went to visit the woman again with the hope that she would understand the importance of her difficulties and would offer her adequate help. In spite of this, Hannah was never able to draw forth any other answer but, “Yes, I know; but there is God.”

Finally, because the woman said it so often and seemed so sure, Hannah became convinced that the woman truly believed in the existence of God. He is the Creator and Redeemer of mankind, and was an all-sufficient answer to every possible need of His children.

God, our Creator and Redeemer… is enough.

Hannah drew closer to God, and she told how her troubles disappeared. Thereafter, Hannah wondered, “How could I ever have been such an idiot as to be troubled by them, when all the while there was God? The Almighty and all-seeing God. The God who had created me and was, therefore, on my side and eager to care for me and help me.”

Hannah found out that the all-sufficient God was enough, and her soul was at rest.

Like Hannah, come back to a place of peace. Affirm that, ‘God is in con

trol,’ ‘He has delivered me in the past,’ ‘He will deliver me now,’ ‘and God will continue to deliver me in the future.’

Keep on being and doing your best, as the solution to your dilemma is already on the way. Continue persisting, making a difference in the lives of others and allowing your faith to press you forward. Soon, God’s mighty Hand of deliverance is going to bring you to a place of joy and blessings.

Years ago, I heard about a bakery owner. Every morning he gathered some of the town’s needy children and gave them each a warm loaf of bread.

Rather than being appreciative for the baker’s kindness, many of the children fought over who would get the largest loaf. They complained, were bitter about their present circumstances, and were just out for themselves.

Though, there was one little girl in the crowd who had a different attitude. Day after day, patiently, she waited for the others to stop fighting, and she gratefully took the smallest loaf.

Then, she thanked the baker and happily brought the loaf home to share with her family.

One day, as her mother was slicing the bread, she found several pieces of silver inside the loaf. Quite surprised, the mother showed her daughter what she discovered in the bread.

So, the next day, as usual, the children went back to the bakery. The little girl, who happened to be the neediest, also returned.

Holding out the palm of her hand, the girl revealed the silver coins to the baker and said, “Sir, inside the loaf of bread that you so generously gave to us, we found your money. You must have accidently dropped the coins while you were baking the loaf.”

The baker responded, “I did not make a mistake, I put the coins in the smallest loaf of bread as a reward.”

And… a reward is coming for you. God works in mysterious ways. Suddenly, you’ll meet someone and that encounter can cause a long-held dream to transpire. Out of the blue, you will be at the right place at the right time and receive your miracle. Doors of opportunity will swing open. And, all of a sudden, your needs will be abundantly met.

God’s best for you is yet to be. And in God’s time and in God’s way, He will reward your faithfulness. You will emerge better, stronger and more blessed than ever before.

So trust, believe, and be in peace knowing that God is working everything out for you. And your faithful obedience will be rewarded.