The gospel is not an endless collection of steps and keys for getting God to bless you. Those are burdens, not good news. They turn your relationship with God into a transaction… do this, give that, pray this way, buy this book, attend this event, submit to this super powered man and then God will bless you. But the gospel announces something far better: in Union with Christ, you are already blessed with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3).
This is mind-blowing and liberating! You do not work to purchase God's blessing; you work from the blessing of God. Christianity is not a system for extracting blessings from God. It is a relationship with the God who has graciously given you the greatest blessing in the universe…. Himself. Legalism tells you what you must do to be blessed, the gospel declares You are blessed. So dream big, work hard but when you go through hard seasons don’t allow them to make you conclude you are lacking in blessing, you are not. You are blessed.
So as you walk with God, you must work diligently, pray dependently, and trust Him to bless the work of your hands according to His wisdom and providence. His blessing is not a wage you have earned, nor is it always evident in material success. On the cross Jesus by His blood secured what no religious keys and steps could ever purchase… your eternal acceptance from God.
