There is always someone close by that is better, bigger, richer and happier.

Genesis 49:1-33

Reference:  v.28  All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them, giving each the blessing appropriate to him. (NIV Bible)

Explore:  I believe that it is common the world over to look at someone else's life and think, 'I want what she's having' or 'I want what he's got'.  No matter where we are, there is always someone close by that is better, bigger, richer and happier.  We are so quick to compare what we have with what someone else has and so often we feel lesser for doing so.  And yet, we all have strengths, gifts and abilities.  It doesn't matter to what degree we have them, it matters what we do with what we already have.  

Application:  Jacob blessed all his sons before he died.  And if the brothers are anything like all the siblings I know, there would have been a great deal of comparison and rivalry between them all.  Jacob knew they all had different gifts and strengths and yet each individual had made decisions throughout their lives that had brought blessing or burden to them and their family.  We all have gifts and abilities, in many varying degrees.  It doesn't matter how we rate compared to everyone else, it only matters what we decide to do with what God has already blessed us with.

Prayer:  Lord God, you have blessed each one of us.  Help us to fulfill that blessing by being a blessing to others.  Amen.

How are you currently using the gifts that God has given to you?