One of the things I have discovered in my life, whether in good times or apparent bad times, is that there is a difference between the love of God and the blessings of God.

His love is unconditional but His blessings are conditional.

He loves you because of who you are.

You attract God&8217;s blessings to your life because of obedience to His word.

His love for you is sovereign.

You cannot earn it.

You cannot make God not love you.

&8220;While we were sinners Christ loved us.&8221;

Whether you are obedient or not, God loves you.

&8220;For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life&8221; (John 3:16).

&8220;But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us&8221; (Rom. 5:8).

You do not initiate his love for you.

Remember the Scriptures state, &8220;While you were still a sinner God loved you&8221;.

We make a critical mistake in believing that miracles and blessings of God should be as sovereign in our lives as His love.

It is a mistake to presume that, somehow, all miracles are sovereign acts of God and that we do not have any part to play&8212;that somehow it is God who picks and chooses his candidates.

Yes, it is true we cannot perform a miracle, but that does not mean that we do not have a part to play in many of them.

We choose to cooperate with many of the miracles that happen in our lives.

&8220;If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land&8221; (Isa. 1:19).

Do you see where your cooperation is needed if you are to eat the good of the land?

I&8217;m glad that God loves me sovereignly, but I must remember that experiencing the blessings of God happens in my life through my willing obedience.

Ron Cox serves as pastor of Kingwood Church in Alabaster. He can be reached by phone at 663-3933