Supernatural Favor

Elsie hadn’t been at her job long before people noticed something different about her.  No matter what the task, she seemed to go the extra mile in whatever it was she was assigned. 

One day Elsie’s manager happened to be on her floor at work and saw how she handled each responsibility given.  The boss popped her head in and out of the rooms, wondering where the other workers were that had also been given tasks on that floor.  No one was around except Elsie.   

Weeks had gone by and nothing more was said about the missing co-workers.  It was near closing time and Elsie was finishing out her shift when she was summoned to the office.  Only working there a few months, Elsie got worried.  Was she about to be fired? 

Welcome new friends this week from:

See if your city/state/country made the list. 

New on DFB – Francistown, North-East District & Gaborone, South-East District & Serowe, Central District, Botswana ; Cambodia; Colombia; Cairo, Egypt; Ethiopia; Gibraltar; Conakry, Guinea; Avondale, Auckland Region, New Zealand; Kikinda, Serbia; Glasgow, Scotland; South Sudan; Tunisia. 

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I am so happy for your visit and hope that you come back each week to participate in the weekly challenges.  God has been faithful and we expect His favor to abound in the lives of those who chose to Journey with Jesus on Daily Favor Blog.

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Earned Favor 

Gathering her belongings Elsie began to make her way to the boss’s office. The narrow corridor wasn’t that long, but the walk felt like it was clear across town.  As she approached the door her heart was pounding anticipating what was to come.  

Holding her breath she slowly raised her arm and tapped gently on the door with three knocks. Given permission to enter Elsie hesitated and then proceeded with caution.  Giving a quick glance around the room she noticed several upper management staff seated in a half circle. 

Being asked to sit down, Elsie placed her purse and tote bag in front of her on the floor as if they could shield her from what might happen.  The room was silent when her boss cleared her throat and began to speak.   

Thirty minutes had gone by and Elsie’s anxiety was relieved as each of the staff expressed their gratitude for how she performed her duties.  The meeting was closed with the members in the room standing and walking over to shake her hand for a job well done. 

Elsie bent over to pick up her things from the floor when her boss walked over and handed her an envelope.  “Before you leave we’d like to give this gift certificate to you as a way of showing our appreciation.”  She continued with “Be sure you don’t tell anyone else.  This is only for you.”  

What Elsie received that day was natural favor! She had earned it for outstanding achievement. 

Natural Favor 

Natural favor is something that anyone can earn. It can be extended to people, pets, places or items.  In general, natural favor is something we give to things that we love, adore or cherish.  Things that we think fondly of often receive favor based on merit or how they rate on our approval scale. You can see how that worked on Elsie’s behalf at work. 

When people think of natural favor family or friends are what usually come to mind.  It’s natural to favor these people over strangers, because they mean something to us emotionally and personally.  Most of the time those close to us don’t have to do anything to earn our favor; the favor we show them is based on love or friendship. We willingly pour out blessings on them. 

I am extremely blessed that my husband shows me favor every day in the way of cooking meals, doing his own laundry or vacuuming.  I show him favor because I let him do it. It’s my way of giving back … Win win as I see it! 

Seriously, it really is great and I appreciate every time he chooses to shower me with these blessings.  He doesn’t have to do it, but because I am his wife he “naturally” wants to do these things for me alone. 

Natural favor can also be earned by those who have shown a kindness or have done something outstanding meriting blessings to be given for certain things.  Let’s say that you have done a really good job at work like my friend Elsie.  In turn your boss rewards you with a raise based on duties that stood above your peers.  Like Elsie, you would be the only one to receive this “natural” favor in that situation. 

The problem with natural or human favor is that it may come with work that has to be maintained.  Once a person slacks off or does something wrong the favor they once had also diminishes.  Staying in favor then becomes a taskmaster, and often turns into bitterness if it’s no longer given or received. You find yourself feeling like a pet that does tricks for a treat hoping the trainer notices you’ve followed their commands. 

Supernatural Favor 

There is a difference between what we know as natural favor versus supernatural favor. Although we like receiving favor from most anyone I’d venture to say, gaining access to Supernatural favor is really what we want. 

Supernatural favor isn’t like natural favor, because it cannot be earned or worked for by humans.  When we become children of God through Jesus Christ, we fall under the covering of the Lord and His favor.  He grants us His favor and it increases as our journey with Jesus lines up with God’s plan. 

 

Part of the blessings of salvation is the gift of God’s favor to the Righteous.  It’s included under the umbrella (canopy, shadow of the Almighty as Psalm 91 records) of His wonderful grace and mercy.  There isn’t anything we can do to earn it, because it’s free.  However, everyone who is a descendant of Abraham has access to this favor and power when we walk in the precepts God has outlined for us in His Word for His plan. 

The more we learn to trust God and follow His path, the more favor He entrusts us with for our journey.  When we receive this blessing, things start to change in our lives, people notice that God’s hand is on us like it was on Abraham’s, Joseph’s or King David’s life.   

When we begin to pray and expect the favor of God to surround us as a shield (Psalm 5:12), the doors that were once closed suddenly open, opportunities come faster and blessings follow us wherever we set our feet.  It’s rather amazing and supercharges the plan of God on our life. 

Favor Walk 

For three and a half years the disciples experienced favor walks with Jesus.  They relied on Him for everything, and that trust allowed God to rain favor on their journey.  It’s funny how they forgot about that supernatural favor for a time when Jesus ascended into Heaven, but praise God Pentecost came and their faith was restored. 

Thanks to the gift of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us upon salvation, we don’t have to wait for Jesus to send down His power.  Every day we can walk in the favor of God and experience miracles and wonders when we allow Jesus to journey with us.  Spending time with Him changes everything in you, for you and around you.  

All we have to do is ask for favor during our fellowship time with Him. 

“And let the (gracious) favor of the Lord our God be on us;

Confirm for us the work of our hands –

Yes, confirm the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17 AMP)

 

This Week’s Challenge:

Ask for Supernatural Favor 

In our prayer time sometimes it’s easy to forget to ask God for something we need, because we usually focus on other people.  If we do pray for God to move on our behalf I doubt we use the word “favor” in the request. 

The Bible shares specific times when individuals enjoyed the favor of God on their lives.  It also tells of how people asked for the Lord’s favor in all kinds of situations.  King David, for one, wasn’t shy when it came to calling on the Lord for a favor or two.  You might even say he expected a favor flow based on what he makes known about his prayer life. He declared the promises of God and as David did this, favor increased. 

“Hear, O Lord, be gracious and show favor to me; O Lord, be my helper.” (Psalm 30:10 AMP)

“By this I know that You favor and delight in me, because my enemy does not shout in triumph over me.”  (Psalm 41:11 AMP) 

Our challenge this week includes asking for supernatural favor in our prayers by praying the promises of favor.  This is something that I have incorporated in my prayer life.  I have experienced God’s favor as a result of wanting to spend time with the Lord, asking Him to overtake, overpower and overwhelm me with blessings as I walk with and seek His will. 

On Saturday, March 5^th, 2016 the devil tried to do me harm in a minor accident, but he was not permitted to triumph over me because God’s favor shield surrounded me.  You too can expect God to do the same for you by praying His favor shield around you daily.   

After you have prayed and asked the Lord for His favor in a certain area, believe that you will receive it.  Elsie is experiencing favor from God and mankind on a regular basis now, because she has partnered with Jesus for her journey.  I met Elsie less than two years ago and I can verify that the favor hand of the Lord surrounds her. 

People are out of work all over America, but Elsie was hired the day she applied for a job.  God positioned her in a place where she would receive supernatural and natural favor, because her faith in God was greater than statistics. 

Don’t be fooled by satan that this isn’t for real. God hears the prayers of His children and our confidence in Him is what He sees.  He will distribute supernatural favor to you His child, as your request lines up with your journey. 

Believe you walk in miracles and live a life of supernatural favor by praying (speaking scriptures in your request) as did Moses.  When you pray the promises of God you will surely live in Supernatural Daily Favor.  

“Heavenly Father, make Your face shine upon me with favor,  and be gracious surrounding me with lovingkindness …”  (from Numbers 6:25 AMP)

 

I bless you in the name of Jesus that the favor of God be manifested in your life from this very day. 

 

I Know Who I Am – FAVORED! (Sinach)

 

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, pray favor into your life!

 

“My favor is released through My promises.”

Jesus Christ 

*Unless noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy. 

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. 

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Supernatural Favor: Living in God's Abundant Supply

  by  Kynan Bridges

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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.

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Sandpaper Blessings

“I just had the most wonderful day. Everything seemed to go right.  It was great, every minute of it.”

Wouldn’t we all like to have days or even a day like that instead of feeling a bit frazzled?  Someone did, and they shared it on Facebook this week.  It was refreshing to read.

This person had been through several years of rough road, and that day was like a cool breeze from God giving him some relief.  Everyone that read the post was so happy for that person, understanding where he was at this point in his life journey.

Early on in the week I surely needed a day like that, you know the kind where you need a break from things and hope for a peaceful day.  There’s a woman I counsel that each time she comes, her life is in such turmoil that anyone who is near her needs a time out so that they don’t get angry.  She is continually asking God for peace in her life, but seems to be the one that steals it from others.

Roughing it Out

Do you have people like that in your life?  You know what I mean … the ones that bring storms with them all the time?  I have a term for those types of personalities called, “sandpaper people.” 

There are several kinds of these individuals or should I say, “levels” instead.  Just like there are different grades of sandpaper, there are levels to these personalities.  They range from smooth to really rough and abrasive.  If we had to be around sandpaper people I would venture to say that we would all prefer the easier grade, right?  But that’s not how it works.

God sends (allows) people in our lives that will ruffle our feathers as a test of our faith and integrity as believers in Christ.  He uses “sandpaper” personalities to refine us in becoming better servants and leaders for the Kingdom of God.  Believe it or not, if you don’t have anyone in your life that rubs you the wrong way, then either you aren’t being molded for greater things or you are the sandpaper.  At times, you can even be both!

Life as a Christian isn’t supposed to be a bed of roses and easy going all the time.  We should expect good and even great days, but as long as we are here on earth there will be trials that try to form against us.  Knowing who you are in Christ Jesus takes care of the sandpaper people.

“No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn.  This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of Me,” says the LORD. (Isaiah 54:17 NKJV)

Thankfully, we have a weapon in the Word of God to shield us from the work of satan. God has promised us victory over circumstances, but who needs a victory if there isn’t a battle?  So, come on sandpaper, take your best shot!

“These things I (Jesus) 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)

Jesus told us that in this world we will have tribulation (all sorts of sandpaper people) coming against us.  He went on to give us good news, “but be of good cheer I have overcome the world.”  Whenever you read the word “but” in the Bible it is a term that cancels out or changes what you previously read.   In knowing this, we should be looking for the “buts” in scripture, because something else is coming.

When the Sandpaper is At Work

This week my husband had to meet with a county board over an upcoming event.  His appointment was at 11 am, but the people were late. While he was waiting all sorts of things went through his mind.  The meeting was merely one of courtesy, because everything we were doing was legal.  It was out of respect for those in other positions of authority that we wanted to follow protocol. 

When he called me to say that he would have to wait, I planted some unwanted seeds in his head.  He called me on it and I responded, “Someone needs to stir the pot.”  Then as soon as I hung up I asked God to give him the patience and boldness he needed to speak with authority. 

Within the hour he returned home with a totally different countenance.  He went on to share what took place and that we were also granted the privilege of using the electric for free  for the occasion. 

So who was the sandpaper or abrasive spirit?  The person setting up the appointment in the first place, my husband, me or the other gentlemen?  We all had a part in it.  Some of us were lightly sanding while others were heavy duty, attitude removal sandpaper people.  All were needed I suppose, but not all were wanted or welcome visitors.

The bad thing about sandpaper is that it can do some damage if not handled properly. Harsh sandpaper personalities rub us the wrong way, and no one wants their outer skin removed!  Sometimes they don't even know they are getting to you, but they do because of how they handle a situation or it comes out in their tone of voice.  Then there are others who know what they are doing and do it intentionally.

However, the good points about this kind of attitude adjuster, is that it removes the tough outer layer of our hardened heart, and refines the surface making it smooth for us to receive correction.  Picture it like this. After a board goes through the sander, it comes out looking entirely different and new. When it is painted the surface is something to be desired and ready to be used.  The sanding process made it a better piece and more functional.

That's what the Lord wants to do with us.  A little sanding here, maybe some extensive blasting at times and then the finishing polish.  God gives us the grace to endure the sanding.  There is a catch though. Unless we have had some refining we cannot live or give what we don’t possess.  Peace comes from obedience ... ours to God.

When Grace = Peace

Do you remember the passage in scripture where the apostle Paul asked God to remove the thorn from his life that caused him continual suffering, anguish and pain?  What did God say, “My grace is sufficient for you.”  He didn’t say, “OK Paul, I know how much this hurts you so I’ll do what you say and let everything come to you easily.”  God told Paul, “No.”

 “And He (Jesus) said to me (Paul), “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”  Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV)

What exactly was the thorn that got in the way of Paul’s ministry and living a life in continual peace?  There has been much debate over this one.  Some believe it was an actual health issue, while others say it was a certain “sandpaper” person that continually caused problems for him wherever he went.

Abrasive people will cause your true personality to surface.  It’s where our humility is tested. 

Was Paul asking God to remove the sandpaper people from his life so he could get on with his work and living?  Don’t we do the same thing?  God’s grace however, allows us to keep going even while we are being refined. If we let God work in our hearts, we will see His power shine through and change the situation around us.  He provides what we need, all we have to do is take it.

Last week I expressed to someone something similar when she was being pushed to the limits at her job.  If God wanted to elevate her into a position of authority, she had to learn to get along with people without arguing or becoming offended.  This really takes God's grace for us to hold our tongues, but we have to in order to be effective Christians.

Believers in Christ are called to be leaders no matter what field it may be. Leadership positions require us to swallow our pride, understand abrasive behavior and channel it into another direction while remaining calm.

Anyone can blow up when they get ticked off.  Explosive behavior won’t win anyone to the Lord.  If we truly want to be used by God, we need to welcome the sandpaper personalities as a challenge, knowing that we are about to receive something special from the Lord.

When this lady explained the behavior of this person at work, I asked her if she ever confronted the individual and questioned if she could do anything for them.  Perhaps she was going through something and didn’t know how to handle it, and you might have a word of comfort you could give. 

Wouldn’t you know I would have to walk out my own advice, when the very thing happened to me at the check-out on Tuesday.  The cashier was in a really nasty mood.  Although I don't usually spout off, I actually noticed my temperament starting to change. Instead of getting angry at the lady I asked her if she was all right.  Her attitude changed and she explained the details of what she needed to get done before she could leave for the evening.  I’m glad I didn’t follow my emotions and become the sandpaper in her day.

Even if someone plum doesn’t like you, God can turn the situation around for your good, if you let Him refine you by removing your rough edges.  We need to have soft, compassionate hearts in order to be effective as Christians. That doesn’t mean we are to be door mats, but open to the situation so God can use it for His glory.  Ask the Lord to reveal to you His truth so He can work in your life and give you the grace to withstand the test.

Speak, O Lord

This week when you run into a situation where the sandpaper personalities start to do their work on your emotions, recognize what it is.  Let God work on the obstacles that come gift wrapped in sandpaper, so that you come out with a blessing.

Now don’t say this out loud, but think it when you see sandpaper people approaching:

“Hello sandpaper. Let’s see, what part of me needs to be removed and refined?  You may be here to do some damage, BUT, (remember what it means) I’m coming out of this better and with a more beautiful heart. 

God’s grace and blessing surround me. I live a life of daily favor and I’m going to have a really great day!”  

I Know Who I Am Lyrics by Sinach

Have a great week! 

Until next time ... stay blessed and favored!

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.
Image credit if not listed by Google Images Creative Common License
Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provide by Bible Gateway
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