“Now” Isn’t Always God’s Best

I was sitting on the couch in silence waiting for my husband when my unspoken discussion on “timing” transpired. 

“Why do we have such a hard time waiting on things?”  I asked God.  An inner voice said, “Because people don’t spend time in My Word.”   

It’s true. We pray and go on our merry way forgetting to spend time with God for encouragement and enrichment, then when our prayers don’t come to pass we question His timing. 

"Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us.  And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled."  (Romans 15:4 NLT)

The Lord was showing me that if we cannot wait on Him for the small things, we’ll never be able to hold out for the large things He has planned for us.  Being continually in the Word helps with the process while we wait on the promise to come to pass. 

Scriptures tell us that God's Word gives us hope and encouragement as we wait, showing us that there is a purpose for waiting.  God is not withholding His best from His children, but quite the opposite.  He longs to be gracious and show abundant mercy (Daily Favor) to those who wait patiently on His move.

Let us look at some other passages that hold true to the same message.

"... ADONAI is just waiting to show you favor, He will have pity (compassion) on you from on high; for ADONAI is a God of justice; happy are all who wait for Him! (Isaiah 30:18 CJB Complete Jewish Bible)

Instead of being upset, sad or disappointed that things are not going like we expected, we should be happy that we waited for God's best instead of settling for the first thing that comes along.

"And therefore doth wait Jehovah to favour you, and therefore He is exalted to pity you (show compassion), for a God of judgment (is) Jehovah, O the blessedness of all waiting for Him." (Isaiah 30:18 YLT Young's Literal Translation)

While we wait for God's best, scripture teaches that as we do so, the Lord is right with us showing compassion on the situation.  

"... For this reason the Lord is still waiting to show His favor to you so He can show you His marvelous love.  He waits to be gracious to you.  He sits on His throne ready to show mercy (unmerited favor) to you.

For YAHWEH is the Lord of justice, faithful to keep His promises.  Overwhelmed with bliss are all who will entwine their hearts in Him, waiting for Him to help them."  (Isaiah 30:18 TPT The Passion Translation)

God is sitting on His throne excited to move on your behalf. He is lining everything up in your favor so you recieve more than you could have ever asked or even thought!  

"Now to Him who is able to (carry out His purpose and) do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think (infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams), according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever, Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21 AMP)

God not only wants to give you the best, but give you better than you could ever image or dream.

"Never doubt God's mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this.  He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination!  He will outdo them all, for His miraculous power constantly energizes you." (Ephesians 3:20 TPT The Passion Translation)

Reading these passages should encourage us to stay in the Word to find out more of what God has in store for those who love Him and wait patiently on His best.

Here is one more powerful scripture that ties everything together: God's action (commitment to His promises), His favor and how waiting on His best is worth it.

"From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for Him." (Isaiah 64:4)

Now read it this way ...

"These amazing things had never been heard of before; You did things never dreamed of!  No one perceived Your greatness.  No eye has ever seen a God like You, who intervenes for those who wait and long for You!" (Isaiah 64:4 TPT The Passion Translation)

Sometimes it seems that if you had to wait one more day for your dreams to come true, you will give up and give in to the pressure of life.  I get it, I've been there - many, many times and still find myself clinging to the promises of God hoping that today will be the day of deliverance!

Wanting things to happen right now may not always be the best for us and we may be tempted to take whatever comes along, knowing it's not what we prayed.  Do not give in to that lie ... God has not forgotten His promises.

Scripture makes it as clear of what God wants to do for those who wait patiently on His best.  He knows how long things are taking and is not worried a bit;  something good is on its way to you!

Friends, if we are to receive the best or bigger blessing of favor for our hopes, dreams or desires, we need to stay in God's Word!  Remain steadfast in faith, and eagerly practice patience waiting for the perfect time to come... because it will!  He promised!

Thank you for following and sharing Daily Favor Blog.  We hope you will do the same and follow our You Tube family channel journey called Favored Living. 

Until next time, Favored Blessings

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

NEW -  Antique Tool Shopping with Hubby

Antique Shopping for Tools: Part 1

Big Thank You -

Daily Favor Blog top visiting countries of the week in order:

United States, Bangladesh, India, Singapore, Brazil, Philippines, Russia, Turkiye, Indonesia, Vietnam, Chile, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Pakistan, Argentina, Venezuela, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Mexico.

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

*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.

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 unless noted. 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 Intro Image

Welcome,  Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Daily Favor Teaching Blog, Favor, Now Isn’t Always God’s Best, Encouragement, Waiting on the Lord, Patience, Promises of God, Faith, 

Favored Living, You Tube, You Tube Channel,  Excerpt from Timing Is Everything by Fay Ann Daniels

Top visiting countries last week: United States, Singapore, India, Bangladesh, Brazil, Türkiye, Philippines, Pakistan, Argentina, Russia, United Kingdom, France, Saudi Arabia, Chile, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, Germany.

Previously: United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, Brazil, Germany, Japan, France, India, Indonesia, Argentina, Mexico, Russia, United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Venezuela, South Africa, Colombia, Vietnam and Pakistan.

Keep Going Anyway

Has the devil interfered with the plans God has placed on your heart to pursue?  If so, I’d like to give you a word of encouragement to keep going no matter what is trying to come against accomplishing your vision. 

When you are praying for God to help in following your dreams, the enemy is going to do everything he can to stop it from coming to pass.  I once heard a prominent pastor say that every goal he has achieved over the years of his ministry, came with a battle and a huge fight with the enemy.  He also said that just when he felt he would give up God prevented the schemes of the devil from prevailing over his work and efforts.  His part was to keep going and not quit. 

The devil isn’t about to give up on his plans to steal, kill and destroy anyone who has a desire to follow after God.  He will do whatever it takes to get you to quit and walk away from living out your dreams and vision.  I’m encouraging you to stay in faith, believe what God put in your heart and keep going anyway – especially when things look impossible! 

God knows that there will be obstacles along the way to prevent us from achieving our vision, and that’s why we need to consult Him in moving forward to accomplish everything that He has for us.  He is the One who inspires the dreams of His children and has promised to help throughout the entire process of what He placed on your heart.  

The Lord wants to help, but cannot do that if we don’t include Him on a regular basis.  I know things may seem impossible right now, but with God all things are possible to those who believe.  

Sometimes living the Christian life can be hard and we’re not always at our spiritual best. God knows and understands our weaknesses.  He wants us to lean on Him when we’re not strong.  He will be our strength and friend to help us carry on, not humans as mentioned in the song written by the late singer Bill Withers.  Nice concept, but only the Holy Spirit can give us everything we need, every time.

It’s during our weakest moments that God’s power is revealed through His unmerited favor and grace. 

“But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you (all you need; sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully); for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in (your) weakness. 

Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 AMPC) 

Use the weapon of prayer against the enemy to continually live by faith.  Ask the Lord for the strength you need to KEEP GOING ANYWAY and finish the vision.  Hang in there.  Live with the peace of mind that your vision will come to pass in His timing, and it will be better than you could ever imagine.   

“The LORD will give strength to His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11 NKJV) 

Until next time, pray for favored strength to endure!

“I will favor you with My strength and peace.” Jesus Christ  

Note: 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.   

What’s New This Week: Click on book link below.    

The complete works of E.M. Bounds on prayer. 

Buy it on Amazon 

Favored1 on Facebook, 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.  Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.  

Image credit: Google Images Creative Common License if not specified.  Image 1  
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief. 

Labels Believe in God, Favored1, Faith, Daily Favor Blog, Wisdom, Patience, Favor, Strength, Endurance, Frustration, Testing, Promises of God, Prayer, Vision, Christian Living

Strength to Finish the Vision: Part 1

“Dear Lord, I haven’t been a really good sheep today, let alone a shepherd.  I’m tired, feeling a bit out of my league in knowing what to do.  I need your help.  Strengthen my hands for this task; give me wisdom so I cause no harm …” 

That’s the prayer I spoke first thing one morning as I tried dragging myself out of bed after a little sleep.  How can I do all that has to be done, with so many things being #1 on the list?  

Will I ever accomplish the vision that is in my heart when it keeps being lost in the daily grind of life? 

Thanks for joining us on Daily Favor Blog.  

Subscribe, read News from Fay, visit the Q & A or other sections.

Living off Prayer 

I’m pretty sure a prayer similar to mine has come out of the mouths of many people, especially this year.  Have you said something along those lines over the past months in dealing with frustrating changes and uncertainty in life? 

Just when things were starting to calm down something unexpected happened.  For the past two months we’ve been dealing with a virus epidemic among the pet population in the community that’s similar to COVID-19, but it’s not.  It’s been round the clock care in syringe feeding, IV and medication treatments with not enough hands to meet the needs of all the animals. 

As soon as it looked like an animal was getting better, the cycle repeated itself and spread to other pets.  We’ve never dealt with so many seriously sick animals at one time who needed such intensive care. 

It didn’t take much to recognize that this is the work of the enemy and was pushing us to the limits of our knowledge and abilities.  My early morning prayer was a plea for literal physical and emotional strength, not just to care for animals, but carry on with the vision in my heart and manage regular living (which seemed impossible at the time).  

Ministering medically to domestic or untamed animals can be exhausting. However, when it comes to cats … they’re in a category all by themselves and I think they know it!  They instantly turn into an octopus and you almost need full body armor to handle them.  I’ve been pounced, kicked, scratched, punched, bitten and knocked down, but not beaten!  

Parts of me may look like I was in a battle with an abnormal amount of scratches or bruises, but glory to God I’m getting a good upper body workout!  Plus, I’ve gotten pretty quick on my feet in chasing critters that escape off the examination table or IV cart!  

There’s no other way to put it than to say, we’d been living off prayer – ours and from others as spiritual food to build us up to keep going.  It wasn’t solely because of the strange unidentified spreading virus, but all the other things everyone needed to do in their daily lives that warranted just as much attention. 

The Weapon of Fervent Prayer 

Our faith was stretched and tested through this new learning experience with me stepping out to do things I’ve never done totally on my own before like syringe feed.  In the past I’ve always been the second set of hands that held an animal during feeding, cleaned or bathed them, prepared the special diets … you get the idea.  This time I was the one who needed the extra set of helping hands. 

If it wasn’t for the weapon of fervent prayer against the enemy, we wouldn’t have a prayer of winning, yet we did!  God gave insight to new methods and treatments so that everything that needed to be accomplished was.  In the end, more tears and prayers of thanksgiving filled the heavens than prayers of petition. 

Animals that were not supposed to make it did, surprising the doubters with how they literally came back to life!  Things got done for everyone, and I can’t really figure out when they did, but I certainly know how – through prayer!  God was faithful in answering prayers that had much more than finding solutions in caring for dozens of furry critters. 

“A righteous, godly man (person) regards (cares for and tends to) the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.” (Proverbs 12:10 NKJV) 

Throughout the weeks I noticed favor came into individual lives because of the care given in honoring God’s creation of animals.  It wasn’t what anyone planned, but we changed our plans when God allowed the situation to come into our lives.  He used the circumstance to bring people together that wouldn’t have ordinarily even known one another, in order to open doors for other areas in our lives.  That is so, so cool! 

Keep Going Anyway 

Has the devil interfered with the plans God has placed on your heart to pursue?  If so, I’d like to give you a word of encouragement to keep going no matter what is trying to come against accomplishing your vision. 

When you are praying for God to help in following your dreams, the enemy is going to do everything he can to stop it from coming to pass.  I once heard a prominent pastor say that every goal he has achieved over the years of his ministry, came with a battle and a huge fight with the enemy.  He also said that just when he felt he would give up God prevented the schemes of the devil from prevailing over his work and efforts.  His part was to keep going and not quit. 

The devil isn’t about to give up on his plans to steal, kill and destroy anyone who has a desire to follow after God.  He will do whatever it takes to get you to quit and walk away from living out your dreams and vision.  I’m encouraging you to stay in faith, believe what God put in your heart and keep going anyway – especially when things look impossible! 

God knows that there will be obstacles along the way to prevent us from achieving our vision, and that’s why we need to consult Him in moving forward to accomplish everything that He has for us.  He is the One who inspires the dreams of His children and has promised to help throughout the entire process of what He placed on your heart.  

The Lord wants to help, but cannot do that if we don’t include Him on a regular basis.  I know things may seem impossible right now, but with God all things are possible to those who believe.  

Sometimes living the Christian life can be hard and we’re not always at our spiritual best. God knows and understands our weaknesses.  He wants us to lean on Him when we’re not strong.  He will be our strength and friend to help us carry on, not humans as mentioned in the song written by the late singer Bill Withers.  Nice concept, but only the Holy Spirit can give us everything we need, every time.

It’s during our weakest moments that God’s power is revealed through His unmerited favor and grace. 

“But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you (all you need; sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully); for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in (your) weakness. 

Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 AMPC) 

Use the weapon of prayer against the enemy to continually live by faith.  Ask the Lord for the strength you need to keep going and finish the vision.  Hang in there.  Live with the peace of mind that your vision will come to pass in His timing, and it will be better than you could ever imagine.   

“The LORD will give strength to His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11 NKJV) 

Until next time, pray for favored strength to endure!

“I will favor you with My strength and peace.” Jesus Christ  

Note: 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.   

What’s New This Week: Click on book link below.    

The complete works of E.M. Bounds on prayer. 

Buy it on Amazon 

Favored1 on Facebook, 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.  Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.  

Image credit: Google Images Creative Common License if not specified.  Image 1  Image 2
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief. 

Labels Believe in God, Favored1, Faith, Daily Favor Blog, Wisdom, Patience, Favor, Strength, Endurance, Frustration, Testing, Promises of God, Prayer, Vision, Christian Living

The Plan of Life

It’s late in the week and hubby is out running errands for a few hours.  This would be a good opportunity for me to catch up on some writing.

About ten minutes after he was gone the phone rang.  Trying to pick up the phone, it slipped through my fingers and dropped to the floor.  Of course, it was out of reach, why wouldn’t it be! 

Seeing it was my husband I needed to get to it quickly, so I stretched out my leg trying to answer it with my big toe.  Remembering that this has happened before, scrolling through past conversations in my head, I could hear him say, “Swipe it, swipe it.”

I mashed it with my foot trying to get it to answer, but couldn’t because of a twisted knee injury that happened earlier in the week.  Having difficulty getting my phone to pick-up is normal, but using my big toe … that’s a first for me I assure you. (By the way, it didn’t work.) 

Thanks for joining us on Daily Favor Blog.  

Subscribe, read, visit the Q & A and other sections. 

Testing Anxious Thoughts (in Progress)

I didn’t know if there was a problem.  Anxiously trying to retrieve it by sliding the phone with my foot (remember I still can’t move my leg), I was able to get it within reach.  By the time I picked it up it had already gone to voice mail, only to notify me that there was no service.

Playing phone tag, we finally got through to one another.  Sharing my dilemma with my husband, this time he was laughing and calling to inform me that his plans changed in which now he was going to the library. 

These things seem silly, don’t they?  Sometimes it’s not the big things, but all the little ones adding up that get us frustrated.  They try our patience and cause us to get anxious, so that when a big problem happens, we get thrown for a loop. 

Another thing we were dealing with was waiting to hear from the doctor, which made us impatient especially when we were told it would take only one day (which never happened).  I wish I had as many hours in my “day” as they do, maybe I’d get more done. 

Being immobilized from the leg injury, the internet kept going out all week, no phone service, praying the doctor’s results were good and several more unsettling issues, certainly challenged our faith.  In trying to keep a good attitude, no one knew the struggles that we’d been experiencing except for one person – Jesus.

Psalm 139:23 declares that the Lord surely knows about our anxious thoughts, even when we try to keep them quenched.  

“Search me, O God, and know my heart;

Test me and know my anxious thoughts.”

“Search me, test me.” Really Lord?  How many times have you asked God to test your faith?  Frankly, I can’t say that is on my prayer request list.  

Be Anxious for Nothing 

Throughout scriptures we are told over and over not to let the cares of this world cause our faith and testimony to be compromised in how we react to situations. The way we respond shows the depth of our trust in the One we call Lord and Savior.  

If we act like the unbelieving world does in handling problems, they will have no reason to trust God for anything.  Basically, without words we’re really saying He isn’t a powerful loving God Who can do squat. 

Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us not to be anxious, fret or worry over anything and to let the peace of God rule over our thoughts.  We do this by going to the Lord in prayer and believing He will handle each request in a manner that best fits our need(s).  

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” 

I would expect that means the little things as well, don’t you?  So, casting our cares would be right in the middle of that mix I’d say. 

“Casting all your cares (all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all) on Him, for He cares about you (with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully).” (1 Peter 5:7 AMP) 

Knowing that God’s got things under control, His peace (not ours) surrounds and guards our emotions.  We can rest (comfort) in His ability to work things out for the good of those who love Him. 

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 KJV) 

The Plan of Life  

God wants to be a part of our life, and always has a better plan that will see us through any situation.  He doesn’t want us to experience life’s circumstances all by ourselves.  The choice is up to the individual. 

If we refer to the scriptures, God reveals through the Apostle James that there is a way to go about the tests and struggles we encounter each day.  Whether they are large or small, each trial is an opportunity to grow in faith and favor from the Lord. 

“… when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So, let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”  (James 1:2-4 NLT) 

I truly want to get to that point where I am complete and lack nothing, what about you?  In order for that to happen, just how much endurance do we really need to experience?  Apparently, a lot if we want God to step in with His plan book of favor.  

Believe You Have What You Need  

By faith we have to believe that when we ask God for assistance and wisdom to get through the trials we encounter, He will give us what we need.  After we have prayed, we must believe that help is on the way to see us to the next step in life.  

If we pray and don’t truly believe God will do anything, then we will get exactly what we expected – and that is squat, nada, zilch, nothing from the Lord.  

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without getting angry at you for asking, and it will be given to him.

But let him ask in faith believing God will help, not doubting, for he who doubts is unstable in their faith and will not receive anything from the Lord.” (from James 1:5-7 NKJV emphasis mine) 

This Week’s Challenge: Plan on Believing 

When it comes to winning in life (over the obstacles that are thrown along our path), believers in Christ have an upper hand on strategy – the power of the Holy Spirit.  Faith in the Word of God and prayer are the most powerful weapons we have to help us overcome any situation.  The devil knows that, do you?  

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God. How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!  (Romans 11:33) 

God declared that the victory is already ours. That means we’re already winners.  Now we need to act like it.   

As you enter the throne room of God in prayer make sure your heart is right.  Ask in faith believing that He will help you.  Don’t let your mind wander causing you to doubt in any way.  Instead of believing in your plans, plan on believing God’s Word. 

Lots of interference was thrown our way this week, but through our disappointments we smiled, laughed and didn’t let it get us down.  We’re patiently believing God for a good outcome over every situation and have received favor in doing so.  Twice my husband has had a stranger pay for his beverage at a drive-thru restaurant and even more things have happened where we have been blessed. 

What’s happening in your life that’s throwing your plans out of whack?  No matter what you’re going through, God’s grace and mercy will see you through if you remain steadfast in your belief.  

“You have granted me life and favor, and Your care has preserved my spirit.” (Job 10:12 NKJV) 

Let God into your heart to guide you through the good and bad times.  Trust Him and His plans.  He promises to grant favor on your life and care for you, giving renewed hope to your spirit, soul and body.  

Lord grant me wisdom throughout the day,

and through the trials I will pray,

Your perfect will ... in Your perfect way.

 

Perfect Wisdom of Our God (Keith & Kristyn Getty)

 Until next time, may God grant favor on your situation! 

“I will favor you with My wisdom.” Jesus Christ 

Note: 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.  

What’s New This Week: Click on book link.   

199 Treasures of Wisdom on Talking with God by Andrew Murray  

Buy it on Amazon or Christian Book 

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.  Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway. 

Image credit: Google Images Creative Common License if not specified.
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.

Labels Believe in God, Favored1, Faith, LG Cell Phones, Andrew Murray, Daily Favor Blog, Wisdom, Patience, Favor, Trials and Tribulation, God's Favor, Endurance, Frustration, Testing, Promises of God, Prayer

Remembering Grace

Welcome to a special edition of

Daily Favor for Palm Sunday!

Thanks for joining us on Daily Favor Blog. 

Subscribe, read and visit the Q & A or other sections. 

Born to Receive Grace

Did you know that the word “grace” is mentioned in the Bible almost 150 times in several aspects or contexts of the phrase or act?  That’s a fact, and so is this … Every person ever born will have received the grace of God in their lives whether they realize it or not. 

During my Bible reading I thought about all the people who received the grace of God during the life work of Jesus while here on earth.  This doesn’t even count those who walked in the favor of God recorded in the Old Testament.

The time period I want to talk about is around the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry when He fulfilled His calling by the Heavenly Father.  If you compared it to our times, to look at what was happening you would think Jesus had won a world title with all the praise He was receiving from “fans”.

“Christ became human flesh and lived among us. We saw His shining greatness. This greatness is given only to a much-loved Son, from His Father. He was full of loving favor and truth.” (John 1:14 NLT)

The Passover Story

It seems almost poignant that the world would be experiencing such harsh times as plagues, earthquakes, fires, tornadoes and devastation that the Easter holiday is upon us.

Picture Jesus slowly entering Jerusalem riding a borrowed donkey.  The streets overflowed with people anticipating the week long Passover (Pesach in Hebrew) feasts, parties and gathering whatever they needed for the events at hand. 

It’s a time where the Jews celebrated spring, birth and the forty-year long Israelite journey from slavery out of Egypt to freedom as told (mostly) in the Old Testament books of Exodus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

Then there were the Jesus followers of that period – they were filled with joy due to the grace that was shown them in healing, restoring finances, relationships and so much more that isn’t even recorded! 

“For out of His fullness (the superabundance of His grace and truth)

we have all received grace upon grace (spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, favor upon favor, and gift heaped upon gift).” 

(John 1:16 AMP)

The Forgotten Passover Story

Sadly, most of those people forgot about the grace of God as noted in the Bible.  I can give you an example right up to the time of Christ’s death. 

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, followers of the Lord laid palm branches on the ground crying out, 

“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! 

The King of Israel!” 

Literally they were shouting (when saying hosanna that is) save us now, I pray O LORD and send prosperity. (Psalm 118:25)

Tracing back from the time spanning between the triumphal entry to the crucifixion of Jesus it was only a few days, but boy did mankind have a change of heart!   

It didn’t take long for them to trade in their loyalty coats of what Jesus did for them.  Whew … one wonders if they really understood the grace they received, forgetting what the Messiah did for them and witnessing all those miracles day after day too.

Although it’s easy to judge, let’s step into the present Jesus followers. Have we truly grasped the concept of God’s unmerited favor and grace?

Okay, what if I was to ask you this - How long does it take for you to forget when someone has shown you grace or mercy?  One week … one day … one hour?  Scary I know, it doesn’t seem like the first “Jesus followers” were that different than us.

When we fail to demonstrate the grace of God that has been given us, we have forgotten the New Testament Passover story also.  It’s as if Christ’s dying on the cross to redeem us from sin was of no effect and really wasn’t that big of a deal.

Thankfully by faith, when we repent of our sins, God’s gift of grace is available and still in effect.  Whether we receive it or not won’t change what Christ did and why He did it. 

“For by grace you (we) have been saved through faith,

and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God,

not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

(Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV)

This Week’s Challenge:

Practice Grace

For those who believe in Jesus Christ as the risen Son of God, the next seven days starting with Palm Sunday, are referred to as Holy Week.  

As we prepare for Resurrection Sunday celebrations no matter where they will be, I’d like for us to remember the grace of God that is ours because of the work of Jesus on the cross. 

Our challenge this week is to be a vessel of grace in which God can use.  First, we have to identify if there is any recognizable sign of it before we can actually act on practicing grace (unmerited favor) on anyone.

Next, do a spiritual heart check-up on yourself.  Is there evidence that you’ve been changed by saving grace (the favor of God through salvation)?

Grace can change a heart if we live like God’s love is for real.  Believe you are forgiven by grace, then live like that (like you are forgiven!) and it will be easier to show grace (give favor) to others.

In these difficult times we especially want to live like, and show, Jesus to the “least of these” the way scriptures teach in Matthew 25:31-45.   Ask the Holy Spirit for help in living out God’s grace so that everything points to the redemptive cross of Jesus.

With feeling a bit crowed from having everyone home due to the pandemic, we reach our boiling points in frustration levels much quicker.  So, let’s put these few guidelines into action starting now.

When your children (or spouse for that matter) get into mischief, don’t blow it out of proportion, but show them grace (cut them some slack).  That may even mean you have to leave the room for a few minutes to get a deep breath and rethink the situation.

If your neighbor, co-worker, boss, friend or spouse seems unruly or unfair, remember grace … they’re going through this too, but may not be handling it the same!

While standing in line at the bank, check-out or deli (social distancing acceptable at six feet or more), administer grace while being patient.  No one wants to wait, especially if someone next to them may be harboring a disease. 

You are the “experienced” example … remember, the Christ follower others want to see!  Be that person Jesus trusted His favor to in forgiving you.

The world has never experienced anything of this epic nature. We truly are in this together, and I’m not referring to the “high school” kind of thing!  This is real, this has touched all of us on some scale and it isn’t over – yet!

No one needs to be pinned to the cross ever again for a sin they’ve committed. Jesus already took care of it, so we can (must) live by and through the eyes of His grace, giving favor to all even if it’s undeserving.

The world is hurting and is desperately seeking help, begging for someone to come save them from all that is happening.  People are looking to believers for answers and help that isn’t like what they can get on their own. 

They want rest for a weary soul, and we can show them how to receive it through Jesus by the way we act during any crisis.  As in the days of Noah, the door for coming to Christ is open, but for how long before God closes it?

We can show the world that grace through love can be theirs too.  Let this Holy Week be the start of your remembering the grace (unmerited favor) of God for whatever sins you’ve committed in the past. 

Remembering that we have been given the gift of grace through salvation by believing in Jesus Christ, living examples of God’s grace is what we want others see and receive from us.

In celebration of the love of Jesus who died for us on the cross, and as followers of the Messiah, may our prayerful words reflect those who first came to believe – “Hosanna, Jesus I pray, save us now and send prosperity!”

Save Us - Jesus Triumphal Entry

Until next time, remember God’s saving grace favor.

“My grace, saving favor I give to you.”

Jesus Christ

What’s New This Week: Click on link.

Live by Grace, Walk in Love Devotional

By Bob Goff

Available in Hardcover, eBook and audio.

Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest, Google Plus 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.

Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway

Image credit: Google Images Creative Common License if not specified.

Image: Palm Sunday  Passover News  Triumphal Entry Easter Challenge

Labels: Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Favor, Grace, Forgiveness, Palm Sunday, Jesus Crucified, Resurrection, Patience, Unmerited Favor, Remembering Grace, Passover, Easter, Truimphal Entry, Salvation, Holy Week, Weekly Challenge, Pandemic, Patience, Bible Study, Forgiveness,