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“I like to think of the blessing of God as an umbrella.”

A thought by Mark Batterson from his book, Double Blessing (p. 22). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

That is an interesting picture.

Mark says, “An umbrella doesn’t change the forecast. Life will rain pain, that’s for sure. But the blessing of God does provide a covering of sorts, an extra layer of protection against the elements.”

He goes on, “Does that umbrella of blessing mean we get to sidestep sickness? No, it does not. How about suffering? Nope. Failure? I’m afraid not. God loves us too much to rob us of the very things that will catalyze our character development. Besides, what makes us think we can be conformed to the image of Christ without being betrayed by Judas, criticized by Pharisees, or tempted by the devil himself?

“The blessing of God doesn’t mean you won’t get wet, but it can keep you singing in the rain... What is that umbrella blessing? It’s an extra measure of grace during tough times. It’s a song in the night during seasons of sadness. It’s the peace that surpasses understanding when life doesn’t make sense. It’s joy unspeakable when you reach the end of your rope.

“Of course, we have to position ourselves under that umbrella of blessing… I like the way Ed Young says this: ‘We need to get under those things God has put over us so we can get over those things God has put under us.’1

Mark continues, “The blessing of God is not carte blanche. All of God’s blessings come with a condition that must be met. In this instance, it’s plain and simple.

Deuteronomy 28:1 says, “If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.”

And it is plain and simple, isn’t it? 

Yes, yes!
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