Are You Blessed?
When reading about Abraham and his descendants in the book of Genesis, a consistent theme emerges—God repeatedly declares that they will be greatly blessed in the earth. As Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob progress through their journeys, we observe their natural territories expanding, their families multiplying, and their wealth increasing to such an extent that they could no longer dwell in the same land as those they were once connected to.
However, it is easy to focus solely on their material prosperity and overlook the deeper truth of their lives. We may fall into the trap of measuring God’s blessings by tangible possessions—believing that abundance equals favor and lack indicates divine neglect. This perception can lead us to question our own standing with God if we do not see similar material evidence in our lives.
Yet, the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were anything but easy. Abraham and Sarah struggled with infertility. Abraham lied about Sarah being his sister, and they faced the consequences of taking matters into their own hands by using a surrogate. He also had to rescue his nephew Lot from captivity and was tested by God with the unthinkable—being asked to sacrifice his son Isaac.
Isaac, too, faced hardship. He favored Esau while Rebekah favored Jacob, which caused division within their household. He experienced famine, repeated his father's mistake by lying about his wife, and was envied by the Philistines, who sabotaged his livelihood by stopping up the wells his father had dug. He and Rebekah were grieved when Esau married Hittite women, who worshipped pagan gods.
Jacob’s path was filled with trials. He deceived his father to steal Esau’s blessing and had to flee for his life. He was tricked into marrying the wrong woman and had to labor another seven years for the one he truly loved. His family endured great turmoil—including his sons avenging their sister’s assault by slaughtering the men of an entire city.
When we reflect on these realities, we must ask: Where is the blessing in all of this?
Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” This verse is powerfully illustrated in the lives of the patriarchs. Their stories reveal that the true blessing was not in their possessions—but in their purpose.
Despite their flaws, missteps, and struggles, God was with them. He spoke to them, led them, and provided for them—not as a reward for perfection, but because they were chosen for a divine purpose. Their material gain was provision for the journey, a sign to others of God’s presence, not a measure of worth.
Today, we live under a greater promise. We no longer experience God in isolated moments or scattered revelations. Through Christ, we have access to His presence daily.
Ephesians 1:3 (NIV) affirms this truth: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”
Our ultimate blessing is not found in what we possess, but in who we are in Christ. Earthly things may come and go, but purpose—anchored in God's eternal plan—reigns supreme.