Session 5

It’s OK to want to be blessed

From Mark: A 6-Week Devotional

In Mark 12, Jesus sat down to watch people bring gifts to God. Those who were wealthy and gave a lot of money didn’t impress Jesus. But when a destitute widow gave "two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents,” Jesus said this woman put everything into the offering plate (Mark 12:43-44).

What do you think motivated the widow’s gift? It would not buy much for the church. She must have expected God just to see it and bless it. She must have had no goal other than a heavenly one, since she put all her money into the offering plate.

When we give everything to God in some area of our lives, He rewards us. It is not wrong to desire this blessing. Hebrews 11:6 says, “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe...that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

God wants everything — especially those areas of our lives where we are most desperate, such as in our time, money, relationships, or health. When we surrender what is precious to us, God gets the glory. We can trust He will do amazing things with what we give to Him. Desiring God’s blessing isn’t selfish; it’s a declaration that we believe He is a great God!

Reflect:

  • God is a good God who wants good things for His children. Do you believe this? Do you believe God will reward those who earnestly seek Him?
  • What is one area where you want God to move in your life? What is one way you can surrender this area more completely to Him this week?
  • Do you trust God enough to surrender what He asks, knowing He will reward you?

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