TOPIC: THE BLESSINGS THAT MAKE THINGS WORK
Bible Reading: Jeremiah 23–24; 2 Timothy 2
“The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” — Proverbs 10:22 (KJV)
At the height of King Jehoshaphat’s reign, Scripture records an ambitious plan to build a fleet of trading ships. However, the ships never sailed because they were wrecked at Ezion-geber (1 Kings 22:48). Despite the king’s plans and resources, the venture did not succeed. This reminds us that human wisdom, effort, and planning have their limitations. We must acknowledge God in our endeavours and depend on His wisdom and favour for success. While diligent planning and hard work are important, we should never rely on them alone; we need God’s guidance and blessing to accomplish His purposes.
Proverbs 10:22 declares that the blessing of the Lord makes rich and adds no sorrow with it. From the beginning, God blessed humanity and gave mankind the responsibility to be fruitful, multiply, replenish the earth, and exercise dominion over it “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” Genesis 1:28 (KJV). After blessing man, God placed him in the Garden of Eden to dress it and keep it “And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” Genesis 2:15 (KJV). Notice the order: God blessed man and then gave him work to do. Work is important, but we must recognise our dependence on God, who gives us the strength, wisdom, opportunities, and ability to labour fruitfully. Jeremiah 8:20 captures the disappointment of a harvest season. “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Therefore, do not trust in your efforts, connections, or circumstances alone. Commit your plans to the Lord, seek His direction, and trust Him to establish the work of your hands.
Through Jesus Christ, we have received the greatest expression of God’s grace and love. God confirmed His covenant promises to Abraham, and through Christ’s sacrifice, we have access to the blessings of the new covenant. The cross reminds us that our confidence is not in our own strength but in what God has accomplished for us through Jesus. Therefore, live with an awareness of God’s grace and depend on Him in all your endeavours. Be diligent, plan wisely, act responsibly, and remain obedient to His Word. When you combine faithful effort with dependence on God, you can face each day with confidence, knowing that He is able to guide you, and work all things together for good according to His purpose.
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your grace, favour, and faithfulness in my life. Help me to depend on You rather than on my own strength and understanding in Jesus Name!
Pastor Alfred Samuel