Jan 7 Devotion: Blessings Come With Burdens

Blessings Come With Burdens

1 Timothy 6:6-10

[6] But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. [9] But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. [10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

You ever see someone in a new car and wish you had it? Walked into someone’s house and wish you had a bigger one also? Possibly you’ve noticed a job listing and thought that you could make more money there, so you apply and try to get that job. It’s easy to say we are to be content with what we have, but it’s hard in the flesh to not look at things and want something we perceive as better. Have you ever stopped to think that you don’t have those things because God knows you can’t handle the burden of those things? Does it not say in vs 9 and 10 that the rich fall into temptation, as well as “foolish and hurtful lusts?” That new car comes with a payment. That new job could require longer hours. Even those new clothes require more room to hang them. Most blessings in this world come with some type of burden. It’s those burdens that we can’t handle at times. It’s those burdens that can pull us out of church a little more each week, or cause us to spend less time with God on a daily basis. It’s easy to say what we would do if we had whatever it is that we desire, but God knows truly how we’d react.

I’m convinced that when we are content, that’s when God can bless us. Our contention leads us to truly see the blessing and not to be overcome by the burden. When we see something as a blessing from God we want to give back to God, not turn away from Him.

Before questioning God next time about why you can’t have something, first ask if you want the burden of that blessing.

God bless you today!

Bro. Josh Richardson