Every day I receive a Devotion from Christian Women Today. This was yesterdays:

by Suzanne Benner

How do you define blessing? Do material possessions, such as a comfortable home, the latest gadgets and stylish clothes, determine whether or not you are blessed? Or does blessing refer to less tangible items like fulfillment in work, a healthy body or a sense of purpose in life? Is blessing simply a stroke of luck or good fortune? Does it apply only to people living in the western hemisphere of the world? Surely, blessing from God would include children, a satisfying marriage, and close friendships. Yet, if we are honest, we will acknowledge that we don't have answers for those who lack these "blessings" that we presume are ours. You know someone -- maybe it's you -- who has longed for children, but remains barren; who has ached to be married but remains single; who has suffered pain from a chronic illness that doctors can't alleviate; who although they are faithful to God have endured financial devastation, the agony of divorce, or the death of a child. Maybe we lack a response because our assumptions are incorrect. I was stunned by how Peter defined blessing from God in one of his sermons. "When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways" (Acts 3:26). Peter describes blessing as being turned from evil. God blessed us by sending Jesus to reveal the truth of our wicked and deceitful behavior, to change the direction of our lives. We are incredibly blessed by God when He opens our eyes to the sin in our lives, so that we can turn to Him. That is the blessing that every believer experiences. Consider your idea of blessing and thank God for turning you from sin.

Does this line up with your understanding of being blessed? It didn't with mine!