Devotional Gems by Jolene
Created for Bible Study for Kids
Less is More
Psalm 81:6:16
By J.D. Griffith
Brian was having a great year playing baseball. He was hitting a home
run every game. He was the team’s fastest runner, and had the most
stolen bases. His uncle, the Grizzly’s coach, showed his Dad the stat
sheet. Brian had the most runs scored and his name was engraved on a
plaque in the school’s awards display case.
Everybody thought Brian was so blessed. Besides, he was well-liked—by kids
and teachers. He had everything going his way. Then, in the championship
game, he slid home. His spiked athletic shoe gripped the plate, instead of
gliding over it. His momentum carried him forward, crushing his ankle.
Spikes are necessary when needing to grip the turf. Brian didn't do anything
wrong.
We tend to think of blessings as new benefits God showers on us for us to
enjoy. In our minds, “blessing” has become synonymous with “gift”, hasn’t
it? Many believers may be surprised to learn that sometimes God blesses us
by taking things away. How can God bless me by giving me LESS?
These thoughts reveal a problem. Our pride boasts to us that we know what’s
best. We constantly reach for more of the good things. It worked before, so
continue doing what has worked. Don’t coaches tell players to practice
correct form so that the technique grows consistent? Before long, your
batting stroke feels natural, something you can do without thinking.
This perspective works well for some things, but can also be short sighted.
We cannot see the whole picture. God knows our past as well as our future,
and only He knows particular things that will bless rather than curse us.
Sometimes, the best thing He can “give” is to take something away.
Brian’s ankle healed. It became stronger because of the careful physical
therapy his doctor prescribed. He spent his summer going to Vacation Bible
School and growing closer to his Savior. He made a new friend at VBS who had
moved into the area. They became allies, going out for football in the fall.
Did God ever remove something from you? Did you learn to thank Him in
your disappointment?
Take Home Nugget
The Lord isn’t Santa Claus. Sometimes, in His wisdom He chooses to bless
with less, or by taking something away. It’s not easy to thank Him in
our disappointment, but that is the best thing we can do—despite our
uncertainty.
As we said previously, God works in our best interest. The constant is
God’s goodness and faithfulness—our challenge is to trust and obey Him.
Trusting Him will build our faith. May God bless you and keep you. May
He smile on you and keep you in His peace.
There are times when things are taken away.
Disappointment bubbles up; hearts show weakness.
Thanking God holds anger at bay,
Replacing our pride with meekness.
J.D. Griffith
