Daily Reflections, Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Today's Scripture: Proverbs 28:20

In 1782, the bishop appointed Charles Simeon Pastor of Trinity Church in England. Since the congregation preferred another preacher, they refused Simeon the opportunity to preach at the afternoon services. They only allowed him to have the evening services. The few faithful members that attended Simeon’s services had to sit in the aisles because the pew holders had locked their pews. Simeon continued to preach there for twelve years. He knew that the only remedy to the situation was faith and patience.

Charles Simeon focused on the positive. Instead of wasting his time dwelling on the negative, he got busy doing the work of God. He had the faith and patience to press on. Charles was thankful for the congregation he did have. He looked at what God had already given him, not at what he lacked. In our Scripture passage, we are told that a faithful man will abound with blessings. But a man that tries to be rich will not be rewarded.

Focus on the blessings at hand, not on those that are temporal and out of your reach. The Lord blesses in different ways for different people at different times. Do not look around at what others have and wonder, “Why don’t I have that yet?” Instead, focus on what God has given you. Why not write a list of your blessings right now? Make the most of what you have.

To love God is the greatest of virtues, to be loved by God is the greatest of blessings. —Unknown Author