How do you know when you have found favor with God? Have you ever wondered where God is? Or why when you need Him the most, you can't hear from Him? Like me, I am sure all of you have experienced it at least once. I think these questions come into play when we, "want what we want," and there are no answers. The finish line could be right around the corner but we lack the fortitude, the patience and the faith to see it.
I hate it when I hear someone say they don't have favor with God. If your in His presence, living for Him, seeking Him daily and loving Him, you are in His favor. Favor is not given by GOD so that we can have what we want. It comes through trial and tribulation. It happens when God is sharpening you through fire and making you shiny and new. The blade of the sword has to be fired to a fierce temperature in order to be perfect. That's what God is trying to do in our lives. We are being refined for His glory and when we understand it and realize that He is in it; we find favor.
The word itself, favor, means to be held in regard. But in God's world it's a way to help us grow our faith, to raise us up and to help us grow. This enables us to help others in their pursuit of faith. We are not in a race nor are we here to get what we want; we are here to be part of God's army. He will refine us and place favor on us. It's not something we can buy or work for; it will be given through faith.
So if you are struggling with where God is, ask yourself what has God done in my life so far? Make a list of the times His hand has been on you. Think over the many times you have failed Him and yet, He remains merciful and faithful. Take time to go over the moments when you have been tested and what you learned from the experience. Did you grow closer to God? I guarantee you did. It's not enough for us to state that we are Christians; we must understand that we are here only for God's glory. We didn't earn this spot; it was given!
If you have met someone recently that is a good encourager, stay close, for God brought them into your life. Understand that we are to be here for each other, to lift each other up, and to pray for the women in our lives. Our need is for community. Be aware that God never leaves us or forsakes us and He is always with us, even when the trials are great. If Christ calls you to walk along someone, do it. If you truly want to know the hand of God and His favor, be there for someone else. Be bold with your faith and pray for them. Ask God to show you how you can be a blessing in someone else's life and if you are facing a trial, ask someone to walk with you. There is no greater way to experience God.
I encourage you to comment on this blog if you are needing someone to lift you up. I am here for you. This blog was created through my need to reach out and touch women. I prayed for years on what to do. I always knew that I would write someday but it wasn't until my father's death that I experienced the full hand of Christ. I made a promise on his death bed that I would reach out to whoever He put in my path and I would proclaim Him loudly. I am doing that today and if you need someone to walk beside you, reach out to me today. My email is on this blog. I am here for every woman, in every nation. God loves you so much that He asked me to write this blog for me and you. Don't let the world take away the love Christ freely gives. He is present in our lives, sharpening our faith and helping us to be bold women for Him. Take His hand, you won't regret it!
Luke 1:27-30 NKJV:
And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women." But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. The the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
Remember the story of Mary. She was almost stoned to death when her people found out she was with child and still unmarried. She had found favor with our Lord but that never meant that she wouldn't face trials. God favored her and she carried Jesus. But like most women of great faith, she had to risk it all to gain the ultimate reward. I know it's hard when we don't know what tomorrow will bring but we must believe that if God is present in our lives, we have found His favor. He loves us, we didn't do anything to deserve His love or His faithfulness. He just is! So please join me in praising our Lord!
My prayer today:
Lord grant us Your favor today and surround us with women that will lift us up in our hour of need. We come to you knowing that we are human, wanting things that You may not want for us. We ask that You would put our feet on the right path and help us to see the work You are doing in our lives and in others. Help us to see that our trials are many but our reward is knowing You are near. We come before You a sinful generation. Please guide us and provide only what we need to grow in our faith. We desire to be in Your presence and thank you for Your mercy and favor. AMEN
Until tomorrow...
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