Recently, my friend and I discussed the blessings of belonging to a merciful God who always forgives and embraces every repentant sinner.

I narrated the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). The younger son had requested from the father his inheritance, and then left and squandered everything until he found himself desiring what the pigs ate.

He then reflected and realised that his father’s servants were better than him. He later returned to his father’s house and a celebration was done in his honour.

However, my friend said that she was more concerned about the older son who remained with the father. He had possessed everything that the father owned but apparently failed to realise this.

This story reminds me that many of us – Christians become too comfortable with the blessings of God and fail to realise all that our Heavenly Father has put in store for us. We are often full of jealousy and envy when we see a fellow brother or sister being blessed and we questioningly complain to God why He has not blessed us.

I recall that I once had a regular car. However, I kept admiring this particular luxury car. Then, one day, I bought myself this luxury car. After driving the car for one month, the luxury vehicle started looking like any regular car to me. A month later when I entered my old (regular) car again, the difference was like 7UP – very clear! I began to appreciate the luxury car experience again.

Many a time, we are like the older brother in the Prodigal Son’s story. We become so comfortable that we no longer appreciate what our Heavenly Father has done for us. Like my luxury car experience, we become so used to the comfort until it starts to feel ordinary. The only time we can better appreciate what we have is to see those who are in dire need of what we already have.

If you feel like though God has not blessed you, please step out of your comfort zone now. Visit a hospital to sit alongside people on life-support. Talk to an orphan and you will understand what it feels like having both parents alive. Pay a visit the IDPs. I bet you, you will begin to appreciate what God is doing in your life.

Have a great week ahead!