I used to pray the way Bono says he did: In countless ways, big and small, I was always seeking the Lord’s blessing. I’d be saying, “Look, I’ve got a new song…Would you look out [for it]. I have a family; I’m going away on tour — please look after them. I have this crazy idea. Could I have a blessing on it?”
However, Bono continues, A number of years ago, I met a wise man who changed my life. This wise man asked me to stop. He said, “Stop asking God to bless what you’re doing. Get involved in what God is doing — because it’s already blessed.
Bono decided to get involved with the poor, because, as he says, “God is always with the poor.”
I believe all Christians are called to be a blessing to the poor–though some of us (I, for instance) may have other primary vocations and callings, and we may be called to bless the poor with our money, rather than with our sweat.
* * *
Like Bono, when casting about for what to throw my energy into, I try to see which area of my life God is already blessing. Where is his activity most evident? In my case, in my growing blog, my activity on social media, and in our family business.
When we are aligned with Jesus, multiplication becomes the norm, just as Jesus fed five thousand with five loaves, and spiritually feeds millions with his broken body.
A supernatural increase which we couldn’t possibly have brought about through our own efforts: I see that as a hallmark of God’s blessing.
* * *
When we decided that Roy should resign from his career as a mathematician, at which he was successful, to manage our small publishing company, I saw a mental image of the river of God rushing and flowing into our family business. Going on in academia would almost be rowing against the stream.
And indeed, the little company has been blessed over our wildest expectations. In the beginning, when we were rushed off our feet, and hugely stressed as the company took off, Roy said wryly, “Well, you got more than you asked, or dreamed of asking!!”
I stared, a bit stunned. Yes, indeed I had. I always lingered over that verse, Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, a bit sadly and not with a great deal of faith, almost as if these things were things that happened to someone else, but me, oh my imagination was so wild that God couldn’t possibly do immeasurably more than all I could ask or imagine.
Seriously, I remember, aged 17, singing “The dream I have today my Lord is only a shadow of your dream for me,” and thinking “Nah, my dreams are so wild, how can that be…”
* * *
Immeasurably more than all I can ask or imagine…there is now a page with that title in my prayer journal, and I pray that, with anticipation.
It’s a good question to ask at the start of a New Year, with all that fresh energy. What is God blessing? Where is his presence and power most apparent in my life?
For me, at the moment, in blogging and writing and business, and that shall be my year’s focus.
And so I cry out like Jabez:
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. 1 Chron 4:10.
Read my new memoir: Rosaries, Reading, Secrets: A Catholic Childhood in India (US) or UK.
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Ruth Williams says
Love this post, Anita! Very deep wisdom. Thanks for sharing your story with us – it’s inspiring. Peace & Blessings, Ruth
Anita Mathias says
Thank you, Ruth!
Kathy says
I focused on the Prayer of Jabez for some years past and found that the Lord blessed me beyond measure. I am content to write in obscurity to the audience on One who gave me this dream and desire. Your writing always gives me such inspiration and I am delighted to know that your journey of faith has expanded and you are incredibly blessed in your endeavors.
Anita Mathias says
Kathy, you are so sweet. Thank you.
Mollie Lyon says
Again, Anita, a post that encourages me. I am working on publishing my second novel and am almost afraid to ask for blessing. I am learning to be content where I am, blessing folks that are in my path right now. I need to introduce Jesus, not only to the old people, but the wild young staff at my work. They are the new unreached people.
To be with God’s blessing, I am so blessed by these folks as they remember my name and I can quietly testify. Tears often swim beneath the surface of the kindness displayed to me. I think I am so unworthy.
I do not give up the dream of publishing my writing, but I am less anxious to make it “big,” so like a lottery winner, I could walk in and quit my job- yes, that was part of the dream. Waiting on the Lord builds blessings that are unimaginable.
I name this year Abundance. I rebuke the pauper spirit. And I jump into the river of what God is blessing.
Anita Mathias says
Abundance, what a lovely name for the year!
Dear Lord, please bless Mollie at her work and in her writing. Amen.
Mollie Lyon says
Thank you. Anita, you are a wonderfully supportive friend.
Michelle Twin Mum says
One of the very first bible studies I took part in was about looking for where God was working and joining in. I have tried to follow that and it sure does work. Mich x
Anita Mathias says
Was that “Experiencing God” by Henry Blackaby? I did that too. It was excellent.