"I am blessed, I am blessed, I am blessed" - by the opinionated preacher's wife

I've read an article on The Huffington Post called "One Thing Christians Should Stop Saying" (I am blessed) and something didn't sit right with me.

I agree with the author's general points, however it troubles me because I fear that one of his readers will have the opportunity to give thanks to God publicly, and hesitate. 

Thank you Jesus!

In a world where saying  ‘thank you Jesus’ is only socially acceptable if you say it like a southern gospel preacher, we don’t need more encouragement to hesitate sharing about God’s hand in our successes. Our own fear of man is sufficient. 

Like the author, I too had the best year in my business. I also let the words “I’ve been blessed” roll off my tongue like I'm ordering my regular Mcdonalds meal because it’s true!  I transitioned from a big city where I had a secure 7 year track record as a local Realtor, to a smaller town as a ‘newbie’. I invested a lot of energy into my business this year so you could credit my success to muscling through it, but I don’t see it like that.  

This was also the year that I faced one of the biggest financial hardships to date.  A rental property I owned went sideways. I was facing over $100,000 in debt.  I have wrestled with trying to find a solution for 7 years. It often brought many nights of sobbing, angry prayers, screaming in frustration, and even thoughts of an escape plan…

 I needed a successful year.  

After expenses, I actually didn’t end up with much money to put toward the debt, but as each client came I would give thanks.  It wasn’t about the money.  Each client was a gift from God that said “keep going.”  As each sold sticker went up, I publicly would ‘woohoo’ as if I won something on Oprah, but internally I would just let out a small sigh of gratitude. “Thank you for providing for me Lord.” Each client was a sign that God had not forsaken me and left me to suffer the consequences of my bad investment decision. He very well could have and I would have still said ‘I am blessed.’

 Life isn’t fair.  Grace isn’t fair.

So when I say I am blessed in having the best year of my career, I say it naturally but not lightly.  I say it with humility and fully knowing God could have ‘blessed’ me with hardship instead.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1: 1-4

 I use the words ‘I am blessed’ with the intent and hope for further conversation with others. The man who served me papers about this investment property usually encounters people trying to hide from him.  He is probably used to sneak-attack delivering the documents and quickly saying ‘you just got served.’  This time he was greeted with a big smile and sincere conversation. I used that opportunity to share my story with him and tell him why I feel so blessed in this.  Reverse door knocking evangelism!  He knocked on my door so he couldn’t shut my own door on me. I did not hesitate to tell him how thankful and blessed I am.  He didn’t fall to his knees and pray the salvation prayer, but it was a small seed and an opportunity for me to re-live God’s blessing as I shared the story.  (full miraculous story of God’s redemption in my $100,000 debt to follow)

Praise and Worship is mentioned countless times in the bible.  Worship isn’t just singing, it’s a way of life.  We are to worship God in our conversations, in our posts and in our choices.

I was faithful and I tried to be obedient to how God called me to operate my business.  God may not be a behavioural psychologist but obedience can lead to blessing. Blessing does not necessarily mean material wealth, but rather the sense that God is with you.

 Sin leads to death. Obedience leads to life.

God has not promised me a cushy life. I admit I have faced small sufferings in comparison to others, but I have an abundant life through my relationship with Jesus.

 My cup overflows. I’m alive in Christ. I am blessed.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

 2 Corinthians 12:9