If You Said ...

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).

Read News from Fay and visit the Q & A or other sections. Tell Me About Jesus

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)

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, 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 references provided by Gateway Bible in the New King James Bible Version or as noted.

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