Rev. Johnson V.
16th May 2010

A blessing is more than wealth, health, beauty, a lovely family, security etc. A blessing is the favour of God upon our lives. A blessing from God, given in His time, His way, on His terms, brings about complete fulfillment and joy in our lives. But receiving blessings or curses is not a matter of chance, like tossing a coin in the air. Like other biblical principles, there are specific reasons and methods involved in bringing upon blessings or curses in our lives. We will look at some of these today.

How do blessings or curses come upon us? Blessings come through non-violence, through acts of obedience, through chastity and virtue, through hard work, honesty and agreeing with God in words. Curses come through violent means, through acts of disobedience, through loose living, through laziness, dishonesty and negative words. Blessings or curses come through our actions or inactions. Curses come upon a person because of a reason (Proverbs 26:2). There must be legal ground (such as sin) for the curse to operate in the person’s life. If there is no legal ground, even if a person is cursed, the curse will not rest upon them.
Blessings or curses can also be inherited. Just as we inherit our looks and personalities from our relatives, we also inherit their blessings and curses. But the moment we become Christians, we have a stronger DNA at work in us to make us what He wants us to be. Galatians 3:13 and 14 says that Christ redeemed us by becoming a curse for us.
Becoming a blessed person begins with trusting God. Abraham trusted God when he was asked to sacrifice Isaac. He had only one son and yet Abraham did not place his trust in his offspring, but rather in the God who provided his offspring. Jeremiah 17:5-7.

How does it show? It may take years for the curse to become visible in a person’s life but it could take only minutes for a blessing to be visible. We cannot sow bad and pray that it turns into good. What you sow, so shall you reap, Hosea 10:12. A sign of blessing is fruitfulness while a sign of a curse is barrenness; a sign of blessing is peace while a sign of a curse is anxiety; a sign of blessing is health while a sign of a curse is sickness; a sign of blessing is freedom while a sign of a curse is bondage. And yet God will only bless us as much as we can handle. And we must thank Him for it.

How does it remain? Strength of the curse comes from evil spirits. They roam around enforcing it - Mathew 12:43. The strength of the blessing comes from the Holy Spirit.

How can we break a curse? It is already broken on Calvary. However it needs to be activated, just like how electricity maybe available in our houses but we need to turn the switch on, in order to enjoy its benefits. Similarly, unless we welcome the presence of God in our lives, let His Grace cover every area of our lives and surrender to Him, the power of the cross will not be visible in our lives and we will continue to live under the shadow of the curse (2 Corinthians 5:17). Whatever is under the umbrella of God (Word of God) will be protected. Whatever is outside will fall under the curse. If an area of our lives is in rebellion to the Word of God, it will be cursed - Ezekiel 18:21.

How can we remain blessed?

• John 15:5 – stay/remain/abide in Christ.
• Speak faith and expectation Romans 10:10. It is not enough to think faith in our heads, we must also ‘feel faith’ in our hearts. 
• Involve God in our lives.
• Never curse yourself because Jesus blessed you, Deuteronomy 23:5. He turns our curses into blessings.

Ducks have a gland near their tail, which produces oil. Ducks spread the oil over their feathers, so that when they swim in water, their feathers don’t get waterlogged thereby causing them to drown. Water literally rolls off a ducks back, as the adage goes. Similarly the blood of Christ is like a Teflon coating on our lives. Curses will not stick to us. He will wipe every trace of it away. Praise the Lord!