Being Blessed

This blog example is really hard for me to write about, given my collegiate fan loyalties, but the story is relevant and helps us find a path to grasp an important biblical truth. Hendon Hooker is setting records this year at Tennessee. I was able to watch him play in Athens earlier this month. The truth is the team statistics have been phenomenal and record-setting both for the school and even in the conference. My hat is off to what the program has accomplished and likely will shift the program’s trajectory due to improved recruiting. Needless to say, Tennessee is back on the map.

While no one person deserves the credit, a clear impact play is a quarterback change. Hendon is an outspoken Christ-follower who transferred from Virginia Tech after being part of an underperforming team. In fact, in his last year there, VT went 4-5, and he lost his starting job. He didn’t even play the final game against Virginia. 

I know the transfer portal is a controversial topic, but this is an example of how it creates a pathway for an individual and even for a program to get on the other side of losing. His story is still being written, but this also paints a picture of how often we find ourselves on the: losing side, behind the eight ball, or in a place we don’t want to be. In those moments, we struggle to find the path forward. The reality is there isn’t an easy transfer portal for most of life’s challenges. We desire blessing but often poorly identify what blessing is or how to find it.

Being blessed is not just money or possessions that fall in your lap. Being blessed is not the absence of problems or pain. Being blessed is not seeing your dreams come true. In fact, being blessed is more about who you are and not what you do and not what you have. Resting in this truth requires that we push against the pattern of the world (Romans 12:1-2).

To illuminate this path, Exodus 35-39 gives us a picture of God’s rhythm for rest, work, and blessing. In fact, to end chapter 39, we see that Israel is called blessed because they finally live out Sabbath rest and diligent work. This pattern reveals blessing because we are living as God designed and according to His will. 

You can’t shortcut or undervalue this rhythm. Running contrary to His pattern will lead you to an endless cycle of emptiness and burnout. However, running the race as He plans will lead you to blessing even in the midst of suffering, conflict, and celebration. Consider today how your weekly rhythms of rest can better reflect a pace that reminds you of His rest.  Consider today how your diligent work ethic leads you to contribute back to God what gifts and talents He has given you for the advancement of His mission and not your own.