The Second Sunday of Lent is observed by the faithful all over the world on Sunday, March 5, 2023.
This special day in the faith calendar is a time to slow down and consider God's blessings, a Washington-based pastor told Fox News Digital.
"Blessings are the evidence of the grace of God. His word is saturated with blessings," said Pastor Jesse Bradley of Grace Community Church in Auburn, Washington.
In the Book of Genesis, "Abraham cultivated the habit of listening to God," said Bradley.
"And this is what he heard: ‘I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse, and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you'" (Genesis 12:3).
Bradley continued, "The greatest blessings from God are often unexpected" — and he said Abraham is an "excellent illustration" of this point.
"It is not typically considered a blessing to have to leave your people, your region and your comfort zone at age 75," said Bradley.
"It’s not a common path to become a father as you complete a century of living, and your infant boy is teething as your number of years sits in triple digits," he added.
Abraham is proof that "God’s blessings are not always wrapped in simplicity, arriving in cushy callings or delivered in pristine packages with a ribbon around the box."
The death of Jesus Christ on the cross is another example of how blessings are not always neat or even palatable, he noted.
"Through his sinless blood that was shed, he accomplished the forgiveness of sins for anyone who is ready to receive the love of God," said Bradley.
For Abraham, his blessings "would move him into a posture of full reliance, which is the very best way to travel."
Bradley continued, "Abraham and Sarah chose to walk by faith, united together with courage and conviction. This journey, designed by God, would be far more glorious than anything he could plan."
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As result of this journey, along with God's blessings, "Abraham’s descendants would become more numerous than the grains of sand on the beach and stars in the sky," noted Bradley.
"God was leading Abraham and Sarah to a new land, which would ultimately result in blessings being showered on all people. The blessings of God transform lives," he said.
God, out of love for humanity, had a plan from the beginning of time to "bless the entire world," said Bradley.
"It would be too small of a vision to only bless the Israelites," he said, noting that other Bible verses affirm that people of different nations and cultures are in heaven.
"Love includes sacrifice — and blessings have a cost," said Bradley.
"Jesus covers the full expense," he said. "Everyone on Earth is made in God’s image and deeply loved."
All good things come from God, explained Bradley — a critical concept that is often lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
"It is wise to take time during the day to slow down, step off the racing treadmill, take a break from the endless list of things to do and stop chasing what cannot truly satisfy," he said.
One should seek to "draw near to God and listen to the voice that matters."
Bradley also said, "Jesus offers a relationship that is overflowing with living water for the soul, and you can receive the daily direction and affirmation you need to proceed."
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He added, "You are blessed to be a blessing. May the blessings of God increase our generosity where we live, work, learn and play," he said.
