“That guy is blessed by God!”
My friend was speaking about a mutual acquaintance of ours. He was handsome, intelligent, successful, and talented. He was an Eagle scout in high school and attended an Ivy league college and an equally prestigious medical school and residency program. He was a superb classical guitarist, trained by one of the greatest classical masters in America. He was a hunter who once bagged a wild boar armed only with a hunting knife. Everything he did was accomplished with gusto and flair. He was blessed by God…but not saved.
The two are not equivalent. His story is a sad but familiar one. “Don’t you see all these evil people prospering, God? It isn’t fair!” This was the plaintive cry of his and many who observe the world and question the omnipotence or even the existence of God. God understands this and provides us a roadmap to understand how a loving God can allow evil to prosper in this world. It begins with resentment.
“What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?” Look at these wicked people—enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.
Psalms 73:11-12 (NLT)
For anyone truly seeking, God is willing to answer them. The realization begins with recognizing our own sinful nature.
Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.
Psalms 73:21-22 (NLT)
Once we confess and repent of our sins, we can begin to understand why we were created by God. This is the first step toward redemption.
Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalms 73:25-26 (NLT)
God bestows upon us different talents and gifts. Why does He seemingly bless some with more gifts than others, even if they don’t believe in Him and reject Him? God is patient and desires all to come to Him by their own accord. The blessings we all receive from Him are intended to lead us to recognize that there is something greater than simply acknowledging our gifts and abilities. We exist only by the grace and mercy of God. Once we understand this, we will realize that any blessings we have received in this life are to be used in service to God and not ourselves.
We can be blessed and saved. We are all given a choice to accept God’s invitation to receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. This is God’s desire for His entire creation.
Amen!
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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