Unexpected Blessings
Monday, November 13, 2023 by Melissa McLaughlin

The Hunt

I searched high and low to no avail.

Where could it be? I had purchased a multipack box of disinfecting wipes earlier in the month for spot cleaning around the house. The first pack of wipes was used up. So during a recent cleaning frenzy, I rushed to grab the next pack of wipes from the multipack box. To my dismay, the box had mysteriously vanished.

I combed the bathroom cabinet, laundry storage, and hallway closet. I hunted through the basement and scanned the cars. The box was nowhere to be found.

Eventually, I gave up my quest and grabbed paper towels and Windex instead.

An Unexpected Package

It wasn’t until several months later that I finally stumbled upon the multipack box of disinfecting wipes. I could not believe my eyes. It was there all along at near eye level in the bathroom closet.

How was that possible? I recalled scrutinizing every crevice of this closet at least three times!

As I peered more intently at the box, it dawned on me. I couldn’t perceive this box during my earlier search because of its size and color. The box was smaller and more colorful than I remembered. In my mind’s eye, the multipack box was large and plain. In reality, vibrant designs decorated this shoe-sized box.

This unexpected discovery gave me pause. I literally could not see the box right in front of my eyes, because the box did not look like what I expected.

Unexpected Blessings

Have you ever prayed and waited for a blessing from God, only to find a different answer to your prayer than you expected?

Sometimes, we have a very clear picture of what we expect God to provide, but He sends something else. At that moment we can’t always recognize the alternate gift as a blessing. The packaging may appear surprising or even undesirable at first glance.

Scripture Blessings

When meditating upon Scripture blessings, I notice long-lasting, spiritual blessings. Maybe not what I prayed for, but blessings nonetheless.

May we soak in these Scripture blessings, especially when our circumstances leave us empty of earthly blessings.

Matthew 5:8 – Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Matthew 5:10 – Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

James 1:12 – Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Psalm 5:12 – For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.

Psalm 1:1-6 – Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.

Luke 15:8-10 – Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

Have you ever received a blessing from God in an unexpected form?

May God grant us spiritual vision to grasp the blessings He is pouring out today. Even those blessings that are packaged in unexpected ways.

Spiritual Life

Join author and teacher, Melissa McLaughlin, and grow in Truthful Grace as we ignite the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit in our hearts, minds, prayers and lives. Grow in Christ, grow in the knowledge of His Word, the Bible, grow the passion in your prayers.

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