The Cost Of Being Blessed (2)

How many times have you prayed for a particular thing without realizing how much it would ultimately cost you? Success always comes with a price tag. Being blessed can be hard work.

Everything God gives us requires maintenance. When He placed Adam and Eve in the Garden, they still had to tend it. Jesus said when you're "planning to build...sit down and figure the cost." For example, when God blesses you don't expect everybody around you to rejoice. Some people will figure your blessing came at their expense. That's because they don't want you to move ahead faster than they do. Or they want what God's given you, but they're not prepared to pay the price you've paid.

James says, "Where you have envy and selfish ambition...you find...every evil practice" 

 And it's not just your enemies you have to watch out for; betrayal often comes from within your own ranks. Jesus sat at the table with John the beloved on one side and Judas the betrayer on the other. One was close enough to lay his head on Jesus' breast while the other had sufficient access to betray Him with a kiss. You need to know who's sitting at your table!

However, as painful as it is to be criticized by people you respect and trust, it's worse to veer from the course God's charted for you. As good as it feels to be affirmed and applauded, at some point you need to stop and ask, "How much am I willing to sacrifice to be blessed?" Your answer will determine your destiny!