I read a portion of Scripture a few weeks ago and I keep returning to read it over and over. Come join me for a portion of the familiar story …
Joseph gets sold to traders and in a nutshell, the journey brings him to a position of high honor in Pharaoh’s household. God’s hand was upon his life and he was granted favor and success wherever he was placed.
Then famine struck the land and in a most unlikely turn of events, the very brothers who sold him into slavery must come to Egypt to buy grain.
Long story short, the brothers are reunited, forgiveness and mercy is extended, and they are all brought together again, including their aging father.
It’s the familiar story which you can find in the closing chapters of Genesis.
Then came the day when Jacob summoned them all in order to tell them their prophetic blessing. One by one they gathered and stepped forward to hear what their father would say to them.
And this is what has had my attention:
“He blessed them, every one with the blessing appropriate to him.”
(Genesis 49:28, NASB)
They were all Jacob’s sons, but their blessing was different. Each blessing was as unique as each son.
We are each sons and daughters of God, our Father. We are each unique and different from one another. Our personalities, quirks, talents, and purposes are as varied as the colored crayons in a 64 Crayola box of crayons.
“For You created my innermost parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.I will give thanks to You, because I am awesomely and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.” (Psalm 139:13-14, NASB)
The psalmist’s soul knew it and so do we. The problem is – at times, we forget. We must remind ourselves we have been woven and made wonderfully by the hands of our Creator.
The Lord knows all of our days for they are already written in His book and ordained for each of us. We need to keep our eyes on His plan for our lives and not look at, nor compare, with those around us.
“And in Your book were written All the days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.” (Psalm 139:16, NASB)
God knows our strengths and weaknesses. He know the days of our lives in detail. He knows the beginning from the end, and the purposes for which He has created each one of us.
Much the way Jacob blessed each of his sons appropriately, so it is and will be with us. God will bless and treat us each differently and appropriately.
“Failing to focus on our strengths may prevent us from accomplishing the unique tasks God has called us to do.” (Max Lucado)
“At this point in my life, I need more warning in order to be spontaneous.” In her post, “Spontaneous“, Kym shares her thoughts, some quotes, and wisdom.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Md. Zahid Hasan Joy on Unsplash
Today I may be joining …
This reminds me of something we used to say to our sons when someone was feeling slighted: Everyone gets different blessings.
And that is truth, my friend! This one Scripture was eye opening recently and has caused me to think on it since. May we rejoice in the blessings others receive.
Jacob is the prodigal son of the OT!!!
Yes!
Joseph’s story is one of my favorites but I had never really thought deeply about that verse. Such a precious and important truth!
It was like a neon sign the morning I read it 🙂
Joanne, I love that we serve such a personal God. We are fearfully and wonderfully made by Him, and He blesses us with equal attention and uniqueness!
So true, Donna. May we rejoice not only in the blessings we receive, but also in the blessings He bestows on others.
Your words, Joanne speak to my heart. I’ve been dealing with physical and emotional issues the last 9 months and not feeling I’d have much to offer because of this. Yet, reading your post today reminds me of how much God loves us through all of life’s ups and downs,He sees what we can bring out of those situations that can work with the specific gifts he’s given us. This comforts me greatly. Thank you and God bless. ðŸ™â¤ï¸
Kathleen, I am so grateful this brought you comfort. Praying for the Lord to be with you and strengthen you. May He also redeem all of the issues and use them greatly in your life and to the honor of His Name.
What a great thought to focus on today. We should honor others for the unique gifts and value they bring to our lives. Another thought was that we should always remember that God is a rewarder to all those who serve and follow Him. His Word never says we all get the same blessing, but that He will bless each of His children. We should not compare our blessings against those received by another, but instead be grateful to the Giver for the blessings we receive. Thank you ma’am.
Amen, J.D., and thank you for sharing your thoughts!
I’ve read this passage many times, but somehow missed the impact of this verse and the word “appropriate.” The ESV says “suitable.” What an example of our heavenly Father, who knows just what we need and what would be encouraging to each of us.
I love the use of the word “suitable”! God will not give us that which is not suited for us. Makes me realize just how deeply acquainted He is with each of us. He truly knows us better than we know ourselves! Thank you so much, Barbara, for sharing that!
What a beautiful truth to meditate on today, Joanne!
Huh, am I ever thinking now. I really never looked at that as close. Our own special blessings. I love when you all draw me deeper.
#14
Paula, the beauty of community is how we all draw one another deeper. We encourage, lift up, and spur one another on! I so appreciate you!
I love that He knows us so intimately that He gives us blessings that are just right for our individual needs.
Thank you Joanne!
Blessings, Jennifer
And some of those blessings didn’t sound like blessings! 🙂 But were truth.
Very sweet thoughts! I hadn’t ever considered that verse before!