Sometimes
life catches us off guard doesn’t it? Finding a life line through everything seems impossible, and makes it easy to give up all hope that things will somehow work out for our good. Every situation seems to be in sinking sand and our anchor is stuck in mucky waters.
If
you were to tell me that the United States would be experiencing a flooding
issue nationwide, I’d be rather skeptical of your “rational” thinking. Living through it these past few weeks though
I’d have to change my opinion.
Five
years ago if you “prophesied” that I’d be writing professionally I’d probably
think you were off your rocker. Writing
was a “hobby” and certainly not something that I’d be doing on a regular
basis. There were too many other fun
things that I’d put my hand to before plopping myself down before a
computer! Nonetheless, here I am …
Welcome new friends this week from:
See if your city/state/country made the list.
New on DFB – Germany; Russia; France;
United Kingdom; India; Malaysia; Netherlands; New Zealand; North Korea; Poland; Egypt; Slovakia; Spain;
Turkey; Ukraine; Indonesia.
USA
– Lamar, AR; Bell, Bronson,
Chiefland, Cross City, Fanning Springs, Newberry, Old Town & Trenton, FL; Muscatine,
IA; Milltown, Pine Lake Park & Point Pleasant, NJ; North College Hill,
Norwood & Mason, OH; Olive Branch, MS; Waller, TX.
I am so thankful for your visit and hope that you come
back each week to participate in the weekly challenges. Join us in our new series as we spend time in
the study of Daily Favor Prayers.
You are welcome to leave comments or prayer requests below. All are private. I would love to hear from
you and how Daily Favor has worked in your life. Contact me by leaving a message in the box at
the bottom of this week’s post.
Don't miss out on this week's challenge
(below).
Never
Surprised
Over
the years of our marriage a lot has been said about this “somewhat different”
couple, but we’re okay with that. It’s
what keeps us going knowing that the pieces somehow always fall into place; but
there’s one thing that I’d have to argue over and that would be my husband’s
health.
If
you said that my rugged, strong as an ox husband who never had a thing wrong
with him would be going through all these physical trials, I’d really call 911 and
send for a paddy wagon to have you put in the loony bin.
Rarely
does life fall into line when it comes to the way we expect things to work out,
but the Holy Spirit is never surprised.
He is always prepared with an abundance of God’s favor to pour out upon
His children.
An
Anchor of Hope
Friends,
this world isn’t perfect and neither are we.
If we were, there wouldn’t be a need for the favor of God.
It is because of the condition of the world
around us that we depend on an anchor of hope, and need God's favor to
bring us out on top in every situation.
“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6:19-20 NLT)
Some
people think that Christians don’t experience what non-believers do, and if God’s
favor was real nothing bad would happen to them. The Word of God doesn’t say that we may have trials
and tribulations, but that we will have them.
When we do it’s not that God is always testing us to see where our faith
level is, but sometimes it’s to let us know how strong a faith we really have.
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me
you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation; but be
of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NKJV)
After
we have gone through the valley and come to realize that our hope in the Lord
is stronger and more steadfast, others see that we are a reflection of the
goodness and love of God. It may not always
be easy, but we have a promise that the Lord will never leave or forsake
us.
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be
content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor
forsake you.” (Hebrews
13:5 NKJV)
If
He Said It
I’ve been reading a new book on prayer in which several passages have given me much comfort, reassuring me that God understands our grief, sorrow and pain (physical, spiritual or emotional).
Before
closing my eyes I focused on what He, God, my provider, my healer and
Savior said …
“Those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.”
(Isaiah 40:31 NIV)
When
I became discouraged I set my faith and questioned my thoughts asking:
“Why are you so down cast, O
my soul? Why are you disquieted
within me?
Hope in God and praise Him. He is your help in your countenance and your
God.” (from Psalm 42:11)
When
my mind wandered into hopeless thinking I remembered what HE said …
“There is surely a future
hope for you (and your husband),
and your hope will not be cut
off.” (Proverbs 23:18 NIV)
I
was reminded that if I do my part and take courage in believing, God would be
obligated to keep His promises in answering prayer. Not because of my plea, but
because of what He said He would do.
“Be of good courage and He
will strengthen your heart,
all you who hope in the Lord.”
(Psalm 31:24 NKJV)
When
we believe God will answer our prayers when they are in line with His plan,
provision and promise, He is pleased to grant mercy and favor to those who love
Him.
“The Lord takes pleasure in
those who fear (revere) Him,
in those who hope in His
mercy (and favor).” (Psalm 147:11 NKJV)
Why
did all these scriptures quiet and quicken my spirit? For the same reason I believe in the favor of
God … He said it!
God
is in Control
This
week we were notified that hubby would need another surgery much sooner than
previously anticipated. His pain has
been extreme and the doctor is concerned that it is affecting his heart. We were not prepared for another procedure
this soon (less than two weeks from the previous surgery). However, God was and has everything under
control.
Sickness,
disease, strife and turmoil wait around every corner but as we walk in a life
that honors Christ we are protected and preserved.
This Week’s Challenge:
Anchored in Prayer
Talking to people (yes, face-to-face … what a concept
LOL), I’ve heard the heart of God’s children as they desperately wait for
answers to their prayers. What I haven’t
heard is that they have anchored their prayers on what God said as truth.
In almost every situation the concept and thought of
hoping for a good outcome is far from their thinking, and many succumb to
the circumstances rather than stand on the promises of God.
Our challenge this week is to anchor our prayers in what
God said in His Word. As you pray over
each situation, have faith in the Word of God.
Don’t let your prayers get washed out to sea and lose
hope thinking that God has lost control over things.
He hasn’t. Anchor yourself to the
Lord in prayer and you will be tied to His favor.
God wants us to be overcomers and profit from our trials,
knowing that He is able to deliver on what He has already said through
scriptures. We can be confident that
unlike us, He always delivers! (Read James 1:1-8)
If you said that hope is lost, I’d tell you my hope is
anchored … to the promise of the cross of Jesus. Through every trial, test, tribulation I’ll
trust and keep holding on to The Anchor who is unshakeable. His Name and Word
are higher and greater than anything we’ll ever encounter! Hold on to the Anchor!
No longer do we have to wonder if God thinks about
what we are experiencing in life. We can
set our anchor of hope in Jesus, and trust in the truth that God has already said what he
will do for those who believe. We have
His Word on it!
“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor
for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus
has already gone in there for us. He has
become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews
6:19-20 NLT)
Anchor - Hillsong Live (Worship
song)
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post.
Until next time, favor is anchored to God!
“Stand firm, anchored to My mercy, grace and favor.”
Jesus Christ
*Unless
noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy.
Note: Emphasis
is given in some scriptures to show clarity or understanding and is not to take
away from the inspirited Word of God.
When used,
the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him
no place in our lives.
Disclaimer:
Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical
issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.
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Scripture
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