I Don’t Deserve My Blessings But They Keep Coming
I made a mistake last week. In the midst of medication changes, college, and finishing up work, I misremembered the day we were supposed to move out of our house. And I discovered it was a full day earlier than anticipated about 16 hours before the inspector was scheduled to make his appearance.
Now, good, quality friends surround me. Friends who live out what it means to be the Body of Christ by showing up and loving with everything. These friends had offered again and again to help me move and clean. In the few weeks between leaving my house and leaving Hawaii, I have been welcomed into the home of a friend. When I dropped my bags off at her house, I mentioned that I was overwhelmed by the love and generosity being offered to me.
She sweetly commented that I deserved it, that I gave and it was only fair that it was given back to me.
But she had not idea that I did not deserve it.
When I hung up with our housing office after finding out that we needed to be out earlier than expected, I panicked. Right as the panic set in, I had a knock at the door. It was a new neighbor I had met walking to the mailbox stopping by to pick up a puppy pen I had offered her. She was met with wide eyes and a frantic explanation of what I had just found out. And immediately she offered to help.
This woman whose name I couldn’t even remember started painting my library and bedroom. Another friend offered to come over when her husband got home from work. When he got caught up late and didn’t get home until almost 10p, she came over and stayed until almost two, even though she knew a toddler would wake her up early the next morning. When the morning came, she was back with coffee and a willingness to keep helping.
I could go on about friends who cleaned out, inside and underneath, my fridge or of those who offered trucks or spent their weekend loading our home into a storage unit. But the bottom line is, I don’t deserve the blessings I’ve been given.
I calculate my energy levels carefully before helping, but I’m met with friends who give their all. When push comes to shove, I am often lazy, calculating and giving only what I am obligated. I am presented with excessive love.
God is good. But often I doubt His goodness and start making my own plans while He waits in the wings to bless me.
A phone call changes my plans, and I panic. But God raises up an army of friends and strangers to help me prepare even in the midst of my panicking.
Blessings are poured out in unexpected ways. A neighbor showing up and offering to paint, a friend bringing Starbucks, someone insisting on bringing dinner. The little blessings are all around, but I focus on the worries. I doubt God’s goodness and doubt my friends willingness to help. But when I ask, my needs are met.
They aren’t met because of my goodness, they are met despite it. This grace, it’s a free gift. I am being swept away in this love. Karma is not at work here. I am not given what I deserve, I am given so much more.
I am stingy. I hoard my energy, my time, even my emotions. But God has given me His very Body and Blood. I am sustained by His goodness, not my own. I am called out of the life I deserve and into a lavish love.
Most of this week has, to my shame, been spent complaining. And in truth, it’s been a hard week. I grumble and complain when I should trust and praise. But despite myself, God has been good. He has shown up again and again to remind me of His faithfulness.
So my friends keep showing up and God keeps reminding me that He will guide me and that He is good. During these wilderness travelings, I am blessed beyond what I deserve, but I am blessed.
The Comments
Ada
Such a lovely story! You seems like a great woman and I am sure you deserve the blessing from God! I am glad you have all those people around to help you with your move! I am happy for you !!
Bailey
AdaThank you, Ada, but I assure you, I do not. So grateful for His blessings and others help.
Michelle
It seems that what we need is often given if we ask, but we resist asking. Just as we too often resist trusting in God’s goodness. A good reminder. Good luck with the rest of your move.
Bailey
MichelleThank you, Michelle!
anvita
It’s a good thing that you are grateful for your blessings, not everybody takes the time out to even think about their blessings. Keep it up.
Bailey
anvitaToo often, I know I am one of those people. Grateful for the opportunity to stop and reflect this time.
Erica Career & Life Purpose Coach
Feeling blessed amongst the chaos of life is what keeps your blessings coming. Thank you for sharing such a raw and beautiful post!
Bailey
Erica Career & Life Purpose CoachThank you, Erica. I am blessed well beyond what I deserve.
Molly
God bless you and hold onto those friends. Its hard to find people who go out of their way these days.
Bailey
MollyIt is such a wonderful thing to have.
Joline
I love this story. And I agree, nobody ever deserves any of the blessings God gives us. He gives it anyway because He loves us 🙂 I tend to get overwhelmed also but I just remind myself that I really shouldn’t worry, God has my back and has not let me down yet!
Bailey
JolineHe is so good. I too often have to remind myself that He hasn’t failed me yet.
Marian
What an amazing, and convicting for me, story. I always feel like I take more than I can give. Yet Jesus gave his all, it’s hard to remember that in the emergencies and busy-ness of life. Thank you for sharing and allowing God to speak into my heart.
Bailey
MarianI am so grateful that He did. Where would we be without His life-saving, grace-giving blood?
Mica
This is a beautiful story! I’m glad so many rallied around you to help! It’s true too, sometimes we don’t feel like we deserve our blessings, but God gives them anyway. We have so much to be thankful for.
Bailey
MicaThank you, Mica. I do indeed have a lot to be grateful for.
Emily @ The Multitasking Mom
This is so beautiful! We are moving too and our families have really stepped in and helped so so much!
Bailey
Emily @ The Multitasking MomIsn’t it wonderful to feel so loved and cared for?
Meghan
Oh wow! This is epic. God is so good!
Bailey
MeghanHe is, indeed!
Sheila Price
None of us deserve God’s blessing and favor, but He is so good. I’m glad that you are able to see when you receive grace. 🙂
Bailey
Sheila PriceGrace definitely has been poured out on my life like water on dry land. I am grateful for every drop and always eager for more.
MomJonz
Having friends to help is always wonderful and blessing. Hawaii is beautiful. We moved here the beginning of the year and love it!
Bailey
MomJonzIt is such a beautiful place to live. I will always cherish the time we’ve had here.
Tiffany
This happens in my life often and I am brought to tears at how Good God is… even when I’m a mess!
Bailey
TiffanyMe too. He is so good and I am often a mess.
Julie I Aloha Lovely
What a lovely group of friends you have. I’m sure you have done just as much for them.
Bailey
Julie I Aloha LovelyThey really are quite wonderful.
brooks
This gave me goosebumps. Thank you so much for sharing.
Bailey
brooksThank you, Brooks.