What’s in Your Bag? A Gift from God

 

What’s in Your Bag? A Gift from God

Have you ever received a gift—or even hoped for one—only to feel forgotten or disappointed? On the other hand, maybe you’ve received a gift that felt like the best thing ever. Perhaps it came from someone special, or maybe it’s something you cherish because it reminds you of a moment, a person, or a season in your life.

Some gifts find a home in a specific place: on a desk, in your car, on a keychain, on social media, or even just in your heart and mind when you need encouragement. No matter what form it takes, if we pause for a moment and reflect, we can almost always identify something in our lives to be grateful for.

Maybe it was a day forecasted for rain, and suddenly the clouds parted, making room for sunshine that felt like it was just for you.

Here’s what I’m getting at: all of us—I mean all of us—have received something from God, directly meant to lift our spirits. I say directly because even the smallest kind gesture that turned your day around had to pass through God’s hands first. Everything good flows through Him. Isn’t that empowering to know? Even a hug you didn’t know you needed was God-approved. A moment of peace, a glimmer of hope, a fresh wind of energy—these are gifts.

I encourage you to treat every blessing—big or small—as the precious gift it is. Make space for it. Protect it. Speak about it. Cherish it. And above all, be grateful.

So, what’s in your bag? What has God given you?

• Provision: Adequate clothing, a safe and stable home, food on the table, reliable transportation.
• Financial Means: A job, financial resources, accessible assistance.
• Health: A sound mind, access to medical care, a good doctor’s report.
• Competence: Skills, talents, education, and knowledge.
• Spiritual Gifts: Wisdom, forgiveness, access to the Word of God.
• Second Chances: Awareness to do better, another day to grow, undeserved grace.
• A Reason to Smile: A sunset, a blooming flower, a stranger’s kind smile, a prayer answered, peace that doesn’t make sense, finding a lost item, completing a task, overcoming a challenge.
• Relationships: A faithful spouse, a respectful child, a comforting pet, a supportive family member, a trustworthy friend, a kind neighbor.

Let me be clear: the blessings or “gifts” I’m referring to are those that align with the truth of God, as revealed through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Be cautious of labeling something as a gift from God if it was gained through sin. If you had to lie, cheat, or manipulate to receive it, it wasn’t from Him. God is not a man that He should lie. He is Truth and will not contradict Himself.

So don’t assume that God will approve what His Word clearly says not to do. He meant what He said. If you find yourself being “blessed” while living in sin, perhaps God is extending you mercy—not reward—but an opportunity to repent and turn back to Him. Sometimes, it’s His goodness in our brokenness that’s meant to draw us closer, not to validate the path we’re on.

Let’s reflect today. What can you pull from your gift bag or box and thank God for? Recognize it. Treasure it. Take care of it. Talk about it. And most importantly—say thank you.

He gave it to you.

🔎Time to Connect: 

What's in Your Bag?