God’s Ways and Plans Are Bigger

When we walk with the Lord it is supposed to be with purpose.  Scriptures teach us that the disciples followed Jesus with and for a purpose – God’s purpose.  All along Jesus had a plan, but they only learned about it one step at a time.  If they were not walking with Him daily, they couldn’t have known the next course of action to take.  They would simply be guessing what God wanted them to do with the information and skills learned through their “teacher” and Master.

Becoming a teacher was part of God’s plan for me, but His vision was larger than my dream.  His ways and plans are bigger and better than I even thought of or imagined. 

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.  As the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:6-9 NIV)

My thinking consisted of having a great classroom where I could use my creativity, and help students learn the skills needed to achieve their hearts desires.  What else was there?

For all I knew, I would be at the same school for my entire career and be happy to boot in that little world I set in motion with my limited thinking.  That wasn’t God’s plan.  My dream lacked vision beyond the boundaries of what I could think or physically see.  Oh, ye (meaning me) of little faith, or no faith if I were to be truthful.

Not only did my dream of teaching lack vision, but also purpose to do things beyond my God given abilities.  You know what I mean … vision to do the greater things Jesus talked about that we would do with His help and the power (favor) of God.

Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it.” (John 14:12-14 NIV)

The problem is, I never asked!  I needed little or no faith really to go to college and walk out the things I knew to do.   Register for college, somehow come up with tuition for each semester, get transportation and go attend classes – that’s about it, right?   Why would I need God to do the things I could do on my own? 

Praying consisted of me asking God to bless my plans and make things work out the way I wanted.  I didn’t have a true purpose other than I liked the things that went along the lines of what a teacher did.  Therefore, go to college – become a teacher.  Not once did I ask God if this was part of His plan, even though I knew what the Bible said on the subject.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:11-12 NIVUK)

All along I was planning my way, disregarding the fact that God already had a plan that included prosperity, hope and a good future that protected me from harms way.  Why didn’t I take the Word of God seriously from the beginning of my career?  If I had understood how God keeps His promises (of and through favor), I would have kept in step walking more closely with Him.

Until next time, God’s favor always has a purpose! 

 “Favor has purpose.”
Jesus Christ 

Isaiah 55:8 Image: Bible Unframed Print

Encouraging excerpts from the series "When Purpose Overrides the Dream".

Encouragement for the Journey: Click on link below.

The Call: Finding and Fulfilling God’s Purpose for Your Life by Os Guinness

 AMAZON

Fay aka Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and Articles.  

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

*Names in articles are not used or changed to protect the individual(s) privacy. 

Note: When used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives. 

Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.  Any reference to satan or devil are not capitalized intentionally.  Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.

Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway. Image Creative Common License if not specified.   

Dreams, God Has Good Plans for You, Trust, Goal Setting, Vision, Vision Boards, Believe, Inspiration, Fay Ann Daniels, Daily Favor Blog, Encouragement, Favored1.

The Purpose of Vision

Recently I took my husband to a specialist two hundred miles away from where we live.  Before returning home, we needed to get something to eat and decided to visit a local restaurant in that area.  It didn't take long to realize something was different about this establishment.

Everything was wonderful about the place and both of us were fully satisfied with our meals.  As we were leaving I noticed a sign hanging in the corridor making it clear of the purpose of why they existed, their vision and mission of the business.  

At the time we did not know anything about the business, except for the fact it was a restaurant recommended to us by a few ladies standing outside a mall entrance.  However, anyone who read the sign had no difficulty understandng their statements by witnessing how they were fulfilling their God-given vision. 

Renewing the Purpose

This is the time of year where practically everyone focuses on starting over, getting a fresh vision or is gun-ho on getting back to basics with their new year resolutions.  I'm no different than those people and spend time with God trying to get insight as to what He wants me to do in the months ahead.

When talking to my sister about her new year goals, she stated how her "focus" was on getting organized and de-cluttering.  We chatted a while when I reminded her that we had this same conversation a few years ago.  Somehow her focus was lost and she was back at square one.  Picking her up emotionally, I reminded my sib that she simple forgot the purpose of what she was doing because she had taken it our of her "vision" mind.

I believe that's what happens to most of us ... we have a driven passion for something we believe is from God, but something distracts us from seeing it through to completion. In my sisters case, she had two families come to stay with her for different reasons.

One family was in need of a place to stay while their home was being finished, so she ultimately moved out for six months.  The other family came from another country and was doing mission work for three months, with her carting all her belongings to the second floor and attic.  Once again her mission work to organize and declutter couldn't be accomplished.  

Finally she had to leave the state a few times to be with her aging mother-in-law for several weeks.  During the in-between time she came down with COVID twice!  All these set backs put the first part (organzing and decluttering) of her ultimate vision on hold.  This is a prime example of where "purpose" overrides the dream.

What was the "purpose" for her putting the dream or vision on hold you ask?  It was the same as the restaurant's and every believers purpose for doing anything ... to positively impact the world for the glory of God!

Although she wasn't able to complete the first task of her journey in this particular goal, my sister's purpose of the vision was fulfilled by the impact she made on so many.  She gave of herself, her home, time and belongings to others demonstating the love of Christ so that He may be glorified.

It was during our latest conversation that she became energized and refocused on her goals, accomplishing a good deal of it that very day!  She wasn't behind in God's eyes, but right where she needed to be in giving to help others during their time of need.

Step Back to Step Forward

I realize that it's vital to step back and do a good review of why you are doing something and what is needed to be done to achieve any goal, vision or dream.  However, without purpose there is no valid reason for doing anything.

As you prepare to walk out those new goals you've set in place for the year, let me encourage you to begin with the purpose of the vision in the first place.  The bible makes it clear as to the purpose of every thing we do - glorify the Lord.  

"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)

The establishment we visited for dinner glorified the Lord in their product, procedure and personality by reflecting the character of Christ while walking out the vision God gave the owners.  

After our meal I met with the owner.  She explained how it all came into being, why they give back to the communtiy and their customers experiences.  In doing so she joyfully shared how through prayer and obedience to the Word, God's favor opened doors in ways they hadn't imagined, allowing them to expand into new locations all within a few short years.

They stayed focused, kept with the plan despite setbacks or destractions, and made the vision plain by literally doing what the scripture says.  By posting an enormous sign they made the vision clear.  It was large in print and plain for all to read in order to spread the message of their purpose for existance without anyone ever having to talk to a single employee. 

"Then the LORD said to Habakkuk: Write the vision (the purpose of the dream) and make it plain (to read) on tablets, that those who read it may run and tell others of the vision.  For the vision is yet for an specific time appointed, but at the right time it will be revealed and speak for itself.  Though it may seem like it's taking a long time, wait for it because it will surely come to pass it you do not quit," (from Habakkuk 2:2-4)

The scriptures teach the vision God gave to Habakkuk wasn't for that specific time, but for the future.  His job was to let others know by writing down what God told him so others were informed of what was to come.  The end describes the fulfillment of the vision, which came by patiently waiting on God for all things to fall into place.

Getting organize or decluttering may seem like a short term goal that you may not put in the catagory of "vision", but with God, even the smallest of details may prove to be a vital part of Him opening doors to the next step in the fulfillment of the dream God put in your heart.

Is the vision still in your heart?

Do you remember what the purpose of the vision in your heart was originally or has it been deflated, tossed aside and cut to bits in your thinking it will never come to pass?  If you've back away from the vision why should God stick with it?

What dream or vision are you still waiting on to come to pass?  Have you done your part in each step or is God waiting on you?

Following through with the little steps allows God to grant favor in opening the door to the next part of your journey.  It may be as simple as getting your house clean and organized, or even creating a vision board such as that sign in the restaurant to put before your own eyes!  Take a look at my teaching on "Are Christian Vision Boards Necessary" for more help on fulfilling the vision of God through His favor.

My prayer is that the Lord renews your heart, purpose and vision and in all you do,  glorify God. 

*For those who trust in Jesus Christ, God gives the promise of life here but also the gift of eternal life as an inheritance of being His child.  If you would like to have this gift also, click here to learn more.

Until next time, favored blessings!

Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness.

Fay aka Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and Articles.  

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.  

Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.

Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.  Image Creative Common License if not specified.  Photo by Favored1/Fay Ann Daniels

Welcome,  Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Daily Favor Teaching Blog, New Year Resolutions, Vision, Purpose, Vision Boards, Goals, God's Favor, Organization, Decluttering, Let’s Get Organized Challenge

When Purpose Overrides the Dream: Part 2

Becoming a teacher was part of God’s plan for me, but His vision was larger than my dream.  His ways and plans are bigger and better than I even thought of or imagined.  

Read When Purpose Overrides the Dream: Part 1

Reverend Kenneth W. Hagin was right when stating many have stepped out without understanding God’s purpose for our lives.  He said,

“It’s important to keep your purpose in mind when walking with God.  Many people claim to be walking by faith, but they’re just walking.”

That was me.  I didn’t have a clear understanding of what God envisioned for me and thought landing a teaching job was achieving my goal.  How wrong I was. 

Just because you reach a certain goal doesn’t mean that’s all there is to be accomplished.  It’s simply a level leading to something bigger.  I love that!

Without steps leading toward a goal or vision we lose our way and often quit because the process often gets hard or overwhelming.  That’s where purpose overrides a dream or vision.  

Anyone can reach a goal with help, but to maintain it and go beyond always reaching for the cause takes the understanding of purpose for greater things much larger than ourselves.  This is where walking with God and depending on Him to make this happen turns into the real vision being achieved.  Without Him, we’re just walking with nowhere particular in mind. 

Stepping into Real Faith 

When I took my first steps toward becoming a teacher no where in my imagination would my lessons be reaching beyond the four walls of a classroom.  God’s vision for my becoming an instructor was much greater than my little dream of putting a few vocabulary words on a chalkboard to a handful of students each year. 

Deciding to spend time with the Lord, walking through each idea and stepping out into areas out of my comfort zone took real faith, trusting He would lead me to the job where I could make an impact for Him.  Instead of seeking a place to teach so I could “do my thing”, I asked God to put me where He needed me.  Once He did, I was way out of my arena of expertise and quickly found out the purpose of me being in that particular school.   In other words, I needed God’s favor to do His plan so my vision could be realized. 

Over the years my career expanded and not one of the schools where I substituted became part of my extended teaching places, not one!  Had I not listened to the leading of the Holy Spirit I wouldn’t have had doors open that led to international teaching or gained awards and recognition statewide for what God had put in my heart. 

Knowing Your Why 

Almost every child has been asked, “What do you want to do with your life?  What do you want to be when you grow up?”  At a young age we have some fantasies of what we want to be, but for the majority those dreams get swept away and fall by the way side never to be heard of again. 

They were pipe dreams we’re told; not reality some say and shouldn’t be pursued.  Maybe, but what if they weren’t … what if those dreams really were from God and He had a purpose for putting them in your heart? 

Have you ever asked yourself why you want to do something for a career?  Knowing the “why” or purpose of why you are doing something changes the way you do it and helps you to stick to the plan so that the dream, vision or goal is accomplished.  

When you are walking out the plan of God in your life, knowing He is directing your path toward favor, will give you the confidence needed to keep going.  That awareness can only happen if you are daily walking with and fellowshipping with Him.  

Get honest with yourself. Why are you doing things, really?  Are you expecting anything to come of it or are you just taking each day as it comes hoping to get through it until tomorrow?  If so, you don’t understand the purpose of your existence and that God has already made plans for your life to be something special. 

If you are losing focus on keeping up with your vision (vision board, goals and plans), it’s because you haven’t a clear understanding on the purpose of the whole thing anyway.  The purpose (for what you’re doing or want to do) is the key to seeing the vision come to pass, without it you’ll spend time wandering in the wilderness like the Israelites did.    

Reminding yourself why you are doing something will keep you going when goals are postponed, plans change and when all seems to be at a standstill.  You remember this is God’s plan and He finishes what He starts. 

“And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ (right up to the time of His return), developing (that good work) and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.” (Philippians 1:6 AMPC) 

Understanding your purpose in life is the fuel that jump starts the plans, which leads to goals being achieved, that ultimately fulfill the vision (dream).  Take some time to re-evaluate the true meaning of your vision/dream - “knowing your why”, and if God is a part of it.  If He isn’t, you won’t have His favor (grace) to accomplish the impossible!   You’ll have to do things in your own strength, which won’t get you as far as He had planned. 

When we walk with the Lord daily, He strengthens us with His grace and unmerited favor, giving us the ability to do something we wouldn’t be able to do on our own. 

“So you, my son (and daughter), be strong in the loving favor of Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:1 NLV) 

I know you want to get that vision board done and press on with life, but putting a few pictures on a poster won’t do anything except decorate the wall if it doesn’t have God’s purpose backing it.  Don’t be discouraged.  You’ll be able to accomplish the task of creating a fabulous vision board and writing out the set goals with more gusto after you’ve been walking with the Lord and settled the issue with His purpose in mind!  

If this article has encouraged or helped you, please consider sharing it by using the social media icons provided at the end of this post. 

Until next time, God’s favor always has a purpose! 

“My favor has purpose.”

Jesus Christ 

*Names in articles are not used or changed to protect the individual(s) privacy. 

Note: 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. 

Encouragement for the Journey: Click on link below.

 

The Call: Finding and Fulfilling God’s Purpose for Your Life

by Os Guinness

 AMAZON      Christian Books

Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and Articles.   

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior. 

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.  Book Advert Photo by Anthony Godinho.

Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.  Any reference to satan or devil are not capitalized intentionally. 

Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway. Image Creative Common License if not specified.    

Dreams, God Has Good Plans for You, Trust, Goal Setting, Vision, Vision Boards, Believe, Inspiration, Fay Ann Daniels, Daily Favor Blog, Encouragement, Favored1.

When Purpose Overrides the Dream

It’s not uncommon for me to get messages, emails and questions from people concerning their life goals, dreams and vision, especially at the beginning of the year.  After a few inquiries about what they’ve been doing toward their aspirations I usually know how to direct them back on a path to achieving their desires.  However, that doesn’t always happen, in which my instruction isn’t always as readily received. 

Recently I had a conversation with someone about how their vision board and life plans were coming along as scheduled.  The response was “What vision board?  I don’t have one.”  This was a little surprising to me especially due to the fact they were a real go getter ... so I thought.  Basically, this individual was going about life without a purpose with no set goals or plan, just doing things randomly when and if an opportunity arose. 

Our conversation deepened as to what they wanted when I realized there wasn’t really a plan of action, only “dreams’ of things they hoped would happen in their life.  I knew that if they really expected to reach their goals, they would have to implement a plan that aligned with God’s purpose.  Clearly, they didn’t know how to do this and I wasn’t sure if they wanted any direction from the Lord (or me) anyway. 

Doing It Whose Way? 

I’m not alone in saying that I’ve been guilty of wanting to follow my own path and “do it my way” when it comes to dreams that are bigger than life.  The problem is, we want the pie in the sky with all the bells and whistles that come with God’s favor, but most don’t want to do their part in making anything happen or even dare to get Him involved.  After all, He might not understand what we want or see things our way, right? 

Ever since I was a little girl in primary school, I wanted to be a teacher.  Throughout my teen and college years I participated in activities such as school clubs, church and nursing home volunteering that kept me on the path leading to an educator.  I never thought of needing God’s favor to open doors and followed the prescribed “schedule” of the world to achieve my goals.  Then came graduation! 

Wow, I achieved my dream of becoming a teacher and had a degree proving I was competent to do the job.  Recommendation upon recommendation led me to great schools, but none opened the door for securing a position on staff. 

For six years I remained a substitute teacher hoping something I did would bring my name to their remembrance when a position opened in several school districts, but nothing happened.  It wasn’t until I got hold of a pastoral teaching message that I recognized my pursuit of trying to get a job as a teacher was mainly done in my natural strength, and believe me when I say, it had been exhausting! 

Sure, I was the “go to” substitute teacher and was widely known throughout the surrounding school districts, but it didn’t matter how popular I was.  No one was interested in hiring me full time … that was until I made a change in the way I went after my vision for teaching. 

Although I was a believer in Christ, went to church, tithed, did all sorts of godly activities, my relationship with the Lord was surface and not really personal.  Who knew that walking with God didn’t mean doing good things for “His” cause, attending church regularly and reading the Bible daily?  Back then I never heard of the favor of God, and that my life had a purpose beyond what I wanted to do with it. 

After being rejected repeatedly, I had plenty of time on my hands while waiting for that special call.  I began listening to and watching preaching messages beginning at 6 a.m.  It didn’t really matter what it was; I was a captive audience and was frankly there to “listen” due to lack of other things to do. 

Being an avid note taker and researcher, I became interested in this new phrase I’d been hearing – “the favor of God.”  There were several takes on what it literally meant, which didn’t help at all.  I had to find out for myself and see if these people were using the Word of God like a genie in the bottle expecting Him to deliver simply by calling out their requests.  There was much to learn, but that didn’t sway me from sorting through all the rubbish until I began experiencing this new thing called “favor” for myself. 

When The Chosen Didn’t Understand

Before learning about what God said concerning His favor, I thought I was in fellowship walking with Him because I prayed and read my Bible – even memorized passages!  Being a teacher was something I wanted to do; it never dawned on me that He put the desire in my heart for His purpose. 

The Bible tells of individuals who “walked with God” (meaning they had true fellowship with Him).  Some of them seemed to grasp the concept while others had a bit of difficulty sticking to the plan – God’s plan, which included His unmerited favor. 

We also learn about the long forty-year journey of the Israelites who gained God’s favor along their path so they could reach the land of promise.  What readers often fail to notice is that only a few of the original lot actually reached the desired land and walked in God’s favor their entire life. 

Sadly, most of “The Chosen” people aka, the Israelites, didn’t understand the purpose of the journey.  Somewhere along the way one-by-one lost the vision and purpose. Due to lack of belief or following the instruction of the Lord, only a small percentage truly walked with God their entire journey.  Oh, if the others had remained faithful to the purpose they would have seen the vision of God for their lives come to fruition. 

God’s Ways and Plans Are Bigger 

When we walk with the Lord it is supposed to be with purpose.  Scriptures teach us that the disciples followed Jesus with and for a purpose – God’s purpose.  All along Jesus had a plan, but they only learned about it one step at a time.  If they were not walking with Him daily, they couldn’t have known the next course of action to take.  They would simply be guessing what God wanted them to do with the information and skills learned through their “teacher” and Master.

Becoming a teacher was part of God’s plan for me, but His vision was larger than my dream.  His ways and plans are bigger and better than I even thought of or imagined. 

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.  As the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:6-9 NIV)

My thinking consisted of having a great classroom where I could use my creativity, and help students learn the skills needed to achieve their hearts desires.  What else was there?

For all I knew, I would be at the same school for my entire career and be happy to boot in that little world I set in motion with my limited thinking.  That wasn’t God’s plan.  My dream lacked vision beyond the boundaries of what I could think or physically see.  Oh, ye (meaning me) of little faith, or no faith if I were to be truthful.

Not only did my dream of teaching lack vision, but also purpose to do things beyond my God given abilities.  You know what I mean … vision to do the greater things Jesus talked about that we would do with His help and the power (favor) of God.

Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it.” (John 14:12-14 NIV)

The problem is, I never asked!  I needed little or no faith really to go to college and walk out the things I knew to do.   Register for college, somehow come up with tuition for each semester, get transportation and go attend classes – that’s about it, right?   Why would I need God to do the things I could do on my own? 

Praying consisted of me asking God to bless my plans and make things work out the way I wanted.  I didn’t have a true purpose other than I liked the things that went along the lines of what a teacher did.  Therefore, go to college – become a teacher.  Not once did I ask God if this was part of His plan, even though I knew what the Bible said on the subject.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:11-12 NIVUK)

All along I was planning my way, disregarding the fact that God already had a plan that included prosperity, hope and a good future that protected me from harms way.  Why didn’t I take the Word of God seriously from the beginning of my career?  If I had understood how God keeps His promises (of and through favor), I would have kept in step walking more closely with Him.

Read part two of "When Purpose Overrides the Dream"!

Until next time, God’s favor always has a purpose! 

 “Favor has purpose.”
Jesus Christ 

 

*Names in articles are not used or changed to protect the individual(s) privacy. 

Note: 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. 

Encouragement for the Journey: Click on link below.

The Call: Finding and Fulfilling God’s Purpose for Your Life by Os Guinness

 AMAZON 

Favored1 on Twitter  You Tube, Pinterest and Articles.  

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.  Book Advert Photo by Anthony Godinho.

Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.  Any reference to satan or devil are not capitalized intentionally.

Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway. Image Creative Common License if not specified.   

Dreams, God Has Good Plans for You, Trust, Goal Setting, Vision, Vision Boards, Believe, Inspiration, Fay Ann Daniels, Daily Favor Blog, Encouragement, Favored1.

Begin in Favor: Part 1

Here we go again; another new year begins with high expectations and I’m already running behind not having taken down my Christmas tree yet!  There’s nothing wrong with that ... I think.  No, of course not … I just have to get in the flow of things. 

Vision boards, life plans, short or long-term goals … where does it all stop?  I know I should expect great things from God and myself, after all, it is in His overall plan for my life.

You know … sometimes it all seems a bit overwhelming trying to fill so many shoes juggling my time, activities, must do's and tasks throughout the day.  Is this scenario familiar and do you ever feel that way?  If so, join the millions of others who face the same thing yearly.

Thanks for joining us on Daily Favor Blog.  

Be sure to read updates and visit the Q & A or other sections. 

Disappointing Society

For the past few weeks the media, news, magazines, television and radio have flooded the airwaves or mailboxes with “ways to achieve your New Year’s resolutions” or things to add to the bucket list that we probably won’t have time for anyway.  Enough is enough … just how into self are we?

How long will it be before our adrenaline to "do it this year" falters and we slip right back into that slump of not achieving our goals?  I don’t know about you, but I’m not willing to take another disappointment in “self-achieving” in order to fit into society’s protocol for success. 

No matter what believers do, the world will never be satisfied with what we think is best for our life as Christians and living a life that is pleasing to God.  So, let me stop you right now before you already talk yourself out of what's going to be a great year.

Chosen for Holy Favor

This is going to be the year things happen.  How do I know?  I know because you have been chosen for favor from God. When any individual accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior, upon salvation God bestows on them “Holy” favor.  

What I mean is, favor is deposited or distributed to us through God’s Spirit that resides in the heart of believers.  Unfortunately, the majority of Christians don’t know they have it. 

Here’s how it works.  How what works? How “Holy” favor works.

It’s really not that hard to understand.  Every person created is designed with “natural” built in skills and abilities no matter if you are a believer in Jesus or not.  These gifts or talents some may call them, are given with a purpose intended.  The sad thing is not everyone realizes that or uses their God given gifts for His plan.

However, those natural gifts turn into something amazingly spectacular and supernatural when they are used correctly, by that I mean for God.  When we release our gifts into the hands of the Holy Spirit, they put us in a category for preferential treatment for the outpouring of chosen or specific favor reserved for God’s children.

Attracting Favor

Have you ever noticed that when actors, politicians, musicians, sports personalities, authors, etc. that aren’t believers have outrageous salaries or acquire massive wealth, no one thinks much about it?  Regrettably the underlining mindset is, “they’ve worked hard for it,” as if everyone else doesn’t.

Christians, on the other hand that have great wealth or achieved fame are often hated.  Why is that?  It's because the world can't put a finger on it or understand how things “just happen” for believers.  They don’t have a clue as to how God’s favor makes people attractive and attracts people.

So my friend, what have you been attracting in your life?  Favor causes people to receive preferential treatment and here’s a good example of what I mean.  

Following the Rules

For most who follow sports they have probably heard of an athlete named Tim Tebow. The issue isn’t mainly with this young man’s talents or abilities, but the fact that he isn’t ashamed of sharing his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

When Tebow’s name started to become a regular among national ball players it was due to his outstanding running, throwing and competitive spirit.  It wasn’t long before the public dug into his “unimpressive” background, that is – unimpressive to the non-Christian world. 

How could a dyslectic, home-schooled, virgin, Christian missionary kid, gain such status in communities that run wild off the playing field?  “Ordinary” people like him don’t become Heisman Trophy winners or become best-selling authors.  They never get picked first for major ball teams, nor get to choose whether or not they want to play football or baseball because they’re that good!

For this ball player, Jesus is the most important part of his life along with caring for others as Christ does for us.  In Tim’s words, he began by following the rules.  Not his rules, but Gods.  He came to realize how important it is to serve the Lord, family and others over his own wants, needs and desires if he was to walk in favor.

Faith over Fame

Onlookers and fans who follow Tim have witnessed his faith in action, and they have also seen the ridicule he has received for professing his belief in Jesus as Savior. 

Whether it’s “Tebowing” (kneeling to pray) and bowing his head before a game, telling his testimony or sharing the love of Jesus in giving, “Mr. T” certainly is shining the light of Christ.

His desire to spread the salvation message demonstrates that faith without action means nothing and doesn’t give God much to bless on our part.  Throughout his rise to stardom Tim has always put his faith first, and in doing so it has driven him to universal fame beyond what he could have done with mere “talents” or “abilities’ on his own.

With the knowledge that all he possesses is a gift from God, using the platform and influences given to him, he painted specific Bible verses such as John 3:16 and Proverbs 3:5-6 on his eyelids before football games.  The media became so obsessed calling it “The Tebow Rule”, that it was the most searched term during a BCS Championship Game (college football Bowl Championship Series).

Since his youth, Timothy Richard has proclaimed Jesus in his walk of “purity” maintaining his virginity pledge until marriage.  His obedience to scriptures has brought the blessings of God, causing him to experience favor from God and man beyond the hallowed locker room halls. 

The “world” recognizes that there’s something different about Tim and his walk of faith.  It is so prevalent that the sports world has referred to him as “The Chosen One.” 

Now how do you think they arrived at that particular terminology?  They see THE Chosen One – Christ Jesus, working good things in him according to the plan God has on his life. 

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who

love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

(Romans 8:28 NLKV)

I like how the New Life Version words this passage.  It brings it all to light.  

"We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are chosen to be a part of His plan."

(Romans 8:28 NLV)

There’s that word again – chosen.  Now it’s all starting to make sense, right?  However, Tim’s not the only chosen one.  All God’s children are chosen for a specific purpose according to their skills distributed for His plan.

Faith and Obedience are a Choice

There is something that believers need a revelation of about being chosen by God.  Former Pastor John Piper of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota once wrote in an article about how Christians should revel in the awesomeness of being a chosen priesthood. 

In short, he explained that,

“Our faith is not the basis of God’s choosing us, but the result of it because of His grace (unmerited favor).  Since our faith and obedience is owing to God’s choice of us, we can know we are chosen.  Being chosen by God means that God shapes history on your behalf.”

We choose to believe what we want in life.  Choosing to believe God and what He says about Jesus places a label on you as “chosen” for favor.

When Tim chose to believe and obey, God saw his faith.  Faith to believe God over man caused history to change favoring a young man from Jacksonville, Florida to stand out from the rest. 

His faith caused him to receive favor, which affected and effected his "giftedness" opening doors of opportunity that no man could shut. Come on … you can’t make up this stuff!  Faith and favor are roommates in the heart of a believer!

Scripture also tells us in Ephesians 2:10 that God has a purpose and a plan for our life.  It doesn’t always have to be something over the top, but He could want you to perform simple tasks that lead up to things like mission trips or other marvelous life changing events that change history forever! 

“We are His work. He has made us to belong to Christ Jesus so we can work for Him. He planned that we should do this.” 

(Ephesians 2:10 NLV)

I can tell you this.  His plan is for you now, not someday.  It may take a while, but it starts today!  Oh, and another thing.  It’s not about making you famous, but that could happen and if it does it’s still not about you.

Be sure to come back for the conclusion of this article, and in the meantime keep working on your vision board.  First, click on this video to see how beginning with God begins your life in His unmerited favor!

 This Is The Day with Tim Tebow 

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Until next time, you were chosen for favor!

I chose to favor you.

-        Jesus Christ

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Note: Emphasis may be 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 is geared toward spiritual awareness.

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.  Images:  Woman Comforting  What You Attract Tebowing Eagles Game  Obey God

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Unless noted, scripture reference in series was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.  Image credit:  Creative Common License if not specified.  

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