IF YOU DON'T USE IT, YOU LOSE IT. 005

When we are given so much in so many different ways, it is easy to take the gifts for granted. Some gifts are blatant and in our face. Some are planned and people gather together, sing happy birthday or merry Christmas and make a show of giving and receiving them. While other gifts are more subtle, they are manifested in the simplest of things and make up the sum of life’s happiness. However, there are some gifts, that are so good, we don’t even receive them as gifts.

“I call your attention to these blessings from the bounteous hand of God. Let the fresh glories of each new morning awaken praise in your hearts for these tokens of His loving care. But while our kind heavenly Father has given us so many things to promote our happiness, He has given us also blessings in disguise...”

So, there are the bold, aggressive gifts such as sunshine, but then there are blessings in disguise. What could those blessings be?

"...God understands the necessities of fallen mankind; and while He has given us advantages on the one hand, on the other there are inconveniences which are designed to stimulate us to use the ability He has given us. These develop patient industry, perseverance, and courage. {5T 312.2}

God gives blessings in the form of inconveniences.

God gives blessings in the form of inconveniences.

God gives blessings in the form of inconveniences.

Misericordia.

Why God, Why? It’s about to get deep.

So we typically say that when we “pray for patience, God puts us in situations for us to develop patience.” While I’m not here to say that’s wrong, I am here to say that's only one way of looking at it. See as I read this quote, meditated on it and wrote this post, I realized that the situation works like this.

But wait. Before I suggest to you how the situation works, have you ever heard the saying “If you don’t use it, you..? you lose it. Right. Okay we’re going to need that, now let’s go back to how the situation works.

When I pray for God to give me courage, GOD GIVES ME COURAGE, THE END, right there, right then. My God is not out here delaying. I ask Him for courage, He gives it to me RIGHT AWAY. Now think deeply, God knows that if He only gives me courage, eventually that courage will wane. If I don’t use it.... I will...? Right. I will lose it.

So when God gives me courage, He also gives me a situation TO MANIFEST THAT COURAGE AND SHOW IT OFF AND WORK IT OUT, then that courage grows. He is not only giving us the thing, He us giving us the stimulation to KEEP AND MULTIPLY THAT THING. How will others know that God has answered our prayers if that courage isn't manifested?

What is the best way for courage to be revealed? A discouraging situation.

The next time you find yourself in a discouraging situation, remember God has given before you even asked; the patience and endurance you need. Now in this situation He is just giving you an opportunity to exercise and manifest it, not only so that people may see that He answers prayers, but also so that you may maintain what he gives you.

Because how often to we receive and never use?

If you ever find that you need more of something whilst in the situation, ask God for more, and the end, you have it. See it's just faith, that's it. That is it. Whenever we ask for the forgiveness of sin or for the fruit of the Spirit or for Christian characteristics to overcome sin or obstacles in life, GOD ANSWERS RIGHT AWAY.

We are to overcome obstacles and make our surroundings instead of being molded by them. We have room to exercise our talents in bringing order and harmony out of confusion. In this work we may have divine aid if we will claim it. We are not left to battle with temptations and trials in our own strength. Help has been laid upon One who is mighty. Jesus left the royal courts of heaven and suffered and died in a world degraded by sin, that He might teach man how to pass through the trials of life and overcome its temptations. Here is a pattern for us. {5T 312.3}

God help me to receive the things I ask for, and the opportunities you give me to keep, manifest and grow that which I asked for, I love you God. IJN.

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