“The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast desert. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything” (Deuteronomy 2:7).
“Sleep, riches, health, and every other blessing are not truly and fully appreciated until they have been interrupted.” When I read this quote by Jean Paul Richter I laughingly thought, “Exactly! It’s just too bad that my ‘blessings’ have been interrupted for quite a while!”
It’s so hard to see our blessings when we’re in the midst of a hardship. When I came across Deuteronomy 2:7, I literally stopped in my tracks and with tears in my eyes asked God to forgive me for doubting His provision in my life.
The past five months have been a whirlwind of new pain and infection for me, and frankly some of the worst months of my life. It seemed everywhere I looked discouragement was around the corner. How do I discover God’s blessings when all I see and hear are hurting people? We have to look past our adversity and chronicle all that has happened in our lives.
When we do that we will see God’s hand at work. For me the words in this verse echoed what God needed me to hear. The Lord has blessed my hands in all that I do–whether at work, in writing, or in art. Just like the Israelites, God never left me to wander in the desert of life’s trials alone!
Over my lifetime (almost forty years), there was never a time that God didn’t provide for my needs–whether financially, physically, or materially. This verse convicted me in the sense that I was looking for a sign to see for sure God was working in my life. I don’t need a sign – my life is a sign. Being able to work while chronically ill and single is a sign. Being able to make it through the day is a sign. God is always at work even if we don’t see it or believe it.
Prayer: God, I am so sorry for not seeing You in my life sometimes. Thank you for all the blessings in my life–those I see and those I don’t see. Help me to be more aware of Your work in my life. Amen.
About the author:
Bridget Gazlay resides in the beautiful West Michigan. She struggles with Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis, IBS, arthritis, migraines, and nerve pain. She works full time but writes and designs fabric art on the side. Bridget’s prayer is for readers who come across her writing or art to see that she allows, “God’s creation to be my inspiration.” You can reach Bridget at: quiltforhim@yahoo.com or http://www.pfccreations.com.
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How do you look past your illness to see God’s blessings?
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 
This was a great word. Thank you. Doesn’t have to just be about physical pain but also emotional and spiritual as well. I am going to share this with some friends who need it. Thanks again. 🙂
Yes, Yes, and Amen! you said exactly what God has been showing me for the past 6 months. Thank you for again reaffirming what God tells us always.That he will always bring us through each season of our life and we must reflect and appreciate all the astounding victories he gives us. I will share this with a few of my dear friend who also suffer not only for physical pain, but emotional. God bless you and I will pray for you. May God’s love fill you with His presence and joy.
I’m so glad this devotional reaffirmed God’s presence in your lives. I hope it helps your friends as well!! Many blessings to you both!!