“Christian blessing is . . . intervention and intercession. When God blesses, he intervenes in our lives, communicating truth, sustaining us with good, saving us from harm. When we bless one another, we’re interceding.”- Tina Boesch
“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.”- Ephesians 1:3 (NIV)
Tina Boesch concludes Chapter 5 of Given as she states that Christian blessing represents a particular kind of intercession. Hence, Christian blessing prays forward as it clings to God’s promises in faith that He’ll accomplish them in the people’s lives for whom we pray. Furthermore, two primary sources provide the inspiration for blessing. God’s Word and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
However, the author cautions, many people still believe they need to earn God’s attention. That an appropriately formulated prayer or special offering calls down God’s blessing. Therefore, we must not begin to think that God’s blessing comes with a price tag. Tina explains:
“Blessings were never meant to be traded, bartered, bought. God’s blessing is never — never, ever — for sale. If you could buy blessing, then it would be a transaction, not a gift. And blessing is a gift, always a gift. No strings attached (emphasis author’s).”
Finally, Tina notes, it occurs to her that often our fears are the flip side of longing. For example, longing for success at work or school often intertwines with the fear of failure. And longing for healing may reflect the fear of suffering unrelenting pain. As the author writes:
“Our longings for blessings are intricately intertwined with our fears like mottled thread spun in the depths of our being.”
So, in such situations, remember the invaluable resource of Scripture and the counsel of the Holy Spirit.
Today’s question: How does intercession help you bestow Christian blessing on others? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Laughter – as deep a place as tears”
