I’m all about the big, audacious, eternal blessings in Jesus–eternal salvation, eternal life, the eternal Spirit, eternal grace, eternal redemption, eternal security, eternal rest, eternal purpose–you get my vibe. These are gifts that remain unalterably shiny. They never fade.
But in Romans 8:32, Paul says, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” Apparently in addition to the eternal gift of “His own Son,” there are innumerable other things–”all things”–that God stands ready to graciously give. What are these? Anything that helps, supports, encourages, calms, any situation, or any reprieve that fosters the well-being of His redeemed people–anything and all things. God is generous.
Like other Christians, I have often been the glad recipient of “all things.” Be advised, though, these are temporary in nature. They have a shelf-life, and could be gone tomorrow.
For instance, I’m thankful to still have both of my parents and all my siblings. But physical family is among the many fragile, temporal blessings that will one day fold and be put away. Similarly, I’ve noticed my own youthful state dwindling. I can barely recognize myself as a twenty-something in old photos. What truck ran over me?
Mortal things in general are divine extras, little kindnesses. They are not items we can demand from God, or expect to last forever. All we can do is thank God for them and learn to enjoy them while they’re here.
I got a little car five years ago, which I really like. Yes, it’s one of those nice extras from the Lord. But a year later, the transmission went out. Two years after that, someone hit it, landing the vehicle in a body shop for an annoying length of time. Then, this last year, thieves tried to steal it, and demolished the lock assembly in the door. Again, the body shop. I still like the car, and I still appreciate it as one of the “all things” God provided. When I see it, I think of it as a “stocking stuffer.” Given time it will finally disappear into a junkyard somewhere, but hopefully not my gratitude along with it.
I suppose the holiday season is a great time to talk about gifts and blessings. We’re remembering God’s gift to mankind of His Son. And, of course, “all things,” besides. Still, gratitude can be challenging for us because while coveting the grace others have, we overlook innumerable small graces we’ve received.
But it’s amazing what happens when you remember to tell God “Thank you” for even a little thing. Often your heart starts to swarm with joy. Gratitude can have huge effects upon your mood. And no wonder–thanking God is linked to the filling of the Holy Spirit: “…be filled with the Spirit…giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 5:18, 20).
If you’ve got a little thing, take it, turn it into praise to God, and watch it become a big thing. It won’t be the thing that changed…you will, as you are filled with the Spirit.
