In our rural community, we often experience power outages when severe winter weather hits. But I soon discovered the inconvenient blessings of them. 

Inconvenient Blessings

When the kids were little, we prepared by placing ice bags in our freezer and daring anyone to lift the lid. We hunkered down next to the fireplace, played board games, and heated our dinner on the gas stove. If the impending outage was expected to last more than a day, we chose sleeping spots near the fireplace. Our children informed us that candlelight was bright enough to play board games but too dim to work on homework. Besides, we had to make tents out of sheets and castles out of books before the electricity was restored.

But wait, that was yesteryear. Now, when we have a power outage, we open the freezer multiple times. We sit in our easy chairs and watch television and heat our dinners in the microwave. We could do these things because we had purchased a generator. Although we still met near the fireplace, the atmosphere just wasn’t the same. Breaking news coverage interrupted our conversations, and we had no inconveniences to overcome. My daughter mentioned how she missed playing board games. I realized those pre-generator power outages were inconvenient blessings in disguise.

Yet, crucifixion day provided a more inconvenient blessing.

When Jesus said, “It is finished,” a mid-day eclipse greater than any other power outage darkened the sky, obscuring figures in its thickening cloak. The earth rumbled, rocks split, and the veil of the Temple tore from top to bottom. It was 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.

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

~Mark 15:38 KJV

Jesus endured this inconvenient blessing because He loves us. The night prior to His crucifixion, He said, “I have chosen you” (John 15:16b KJV). But His love for us began far before crucifixion day. The Lord chose us before we were even born (Psalm 139:13). What’s more, He loved us before the world even had its beginning. 

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

~Ephesians 1:4a KJV

Against the backdrop of the primal waters before creation, when the earth was void of all shape, Father God set into motion a good plan for our lives.

Convenient Blessings

But one aspect of our choosing is far more important than material blessings. God chose us before the foundation of the earth and chose to provide a Savior for us. When we ask Jesus to be our Savior, we are “in Him.” This is part of God’s perfect plan for our lives. He provided a way for us to be a part of the family of God. Even now, Jesus is preparing our mansion in heaven. As a believer, our blessings stretch into eternity. Blessing after blessing awaits us that we’ll receive the moment we step into eternity.

No inconvenience we endure will compare to Christ’s suffering. No greater love exists than what our Savior demonstrated, and He provided the greatest blessing through unparalleled inconvenience.

Let’s thank God for less obvious blessings, like power outages that create family fun times with board games that help us 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