Everything? Yes, a Lesson and Blessing in Everything!
Some might disagree with me, but I am convinced that literally “everything” in life is a lesson and a blessing from God. Some lessons are easy and some are challenging, but all are intended for blessing. Let me explain:
Two Simple Examples: (1) I love to fish. I fish for fun, and I love the taste of fish. I fish nearly every evening in the warm months and take fishing trips when possible. Simple lesson: Fishing provides the U.S. over 7 million tons of food each year, and I get to partake. God is interested in my well-being, therefore thousands of years ago, on day five, he created fish for me to eat and enjoy. (2) I love to play the guitar. I play for self-entertainment because few would be enthralled by my stringed talent. However, playing my guitar satisfies me, explores my emotions (mostly makes me laugh) and allows me to create. Simple lesson: God has given everyone certain talents and abilities for our own enjoyment and well-being. They are good for us. Use them and be blessed!
Two Challenging Examples: (1) When I was 30 years of age, cancer took the life of my dad. That was a tough time in my life. He would not get to watch his grandchildren grow up. My mentor and the man whom I looked to for spiritual guidance was gone. He was my Apostle Paul. Simple lesson: I became the patriarch of the Banning family at an early age which brought with it greater responsibility, maturity and reliance on my King. I learned to take that responsibility seriously. (2) At age 59, like my dad, I was diagnosed with cancer. The kind that spreads quickly and carries a high mortality rate. I was scared. How would I take care of Norma? How ill would I become? Would I get to watch my grandchildren grow up? Simple lesson: I now had to accept or reject the opportunity to practice what I had preached to others for so many years and receive God’s blessing. Trust in God. He has this thing! Let it go! This world is not my home!
Whether simple or really challenging … there is a lesson and a blessing in literally everything for literally everyone! Read the short book of Philippians. Please!