In our rural community, we experience power outages due to severe winter weather.

We prepare by placing ice bags in our freezer, and no one lifted the lid. We hunker down next to the fireplace, play board games, and heat our dinner on the gas stove. If the impending outage is expected to last more than a day, we choose sleeping spots near the fireplace. Our children inform us that candlelight is bright enough to play board games but too dim to work on homework. Besides, we have to make tents out of sheets and castles out of books before the electricity is restored.

But wait, that was yesteryear. This time when the power went out we opened the freezer multiple times. We sat in our easy chairs and watched television. We heated our dinners in the microwave.
We were able to do these things because we had purchased a generator! This time, although we still met near the fireplace, the atmosphere just wasn’t the same. Our conversations were interrupted by breaking news coverage, and we had no inconveniences to overcome as a family. It was when my daughter mentioned she missed playing board games, that I realized those pre-generator power outages were blessings in disguise.

Let’s talk about an inconvenient blessing that was wrought on the most important day of history. The occasion was crucifixion day:

As Jesus spoke, “It is finished,” a mid-day eclipse darkened the sky greater than any power outage we’ve ever experienced, obscuring figures in its thickening cloak. The earth rumbled, rocks split, and the veil of the Temple tore from top to bottom. It is as if all of creation stopped to honor the Savior as He died on Calvary’s cross and opened the way to be reconciled with Father God.

It is finished.

John 19:30b KJV

***

And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

Mark 15:38 KJV

Why did Jesus endure this inconvenient blessing? It is because He loves you, my friend. The night prior to Jesus’ crucifixion, He said, “I have chosen you” (see John 15:16b KJV). But His love for you started far before crucifixion day. The Lord chose you before you were even born (see Psalm 139:13). What’s more, He loved you before the world even had its beginning. Genesis 1:2 and Ephesians 1:4 sets this scene:

And the earth was without form, and void: and darkness was upon the face of the deep.

Genesis 1:2a KJV

***

He hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world.

Ephesians 1:4a KJV

It is in the backdrop of these primal waters, where the Earth was void even of its shape, that Father God set into motion a good plan for your life.

Lets look closely at Ephesians 1:4 KJV, and you’ll see there’s an aspect of your choosing that is far more important than material blessings. Not only are you chosen and blessed from the foundation of the Earth, but Father God also chose to provide for you the Savior. The words, “In Him,” speak of your salvation. When you ask Jesus to be your Savior, then you are “in Him.” This is part of God’s perfect plan for your life, and He provided this blessing from the onset of creation. He provided a way for you to be a part of the family of God. Even now, Jesus is preparing your mansion in Heaven. As a believer, your blessings stretch into eternity. Blessing after blessing awaits you that you’ll receive the moment you step into Heaven. Glory!

Is there any inconvenience we’ve endured that compares to Christ’s suffering? There is no greater love than what our Savior demonstrated, and He provided the greatest blessing through unparalleled inconvenience.

During this holiday season, let’s thank God for less obvious blessings, like power outages that create family fun times, and board games that help us to connect. But most of all, let’s reverence the Lord Jesus Christ, who chose to bless us even though this decision was wrought with inconvenience.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being my Savior. I reverence You for the sacrifice You made to save me. Although this was inconvenient, Your great love compelled You to give.

Amen.

Copyright © 2017: Inconvenient Blessings: Diane Virginia: All Rights Reserved

Published: April 13, 2017: CBN: Editor Beth Patch, Senior Producer

Published: April 2021: PresbyCan Daily Devotions: Robin Ross, Submissions Editor