Waiting for Favor Season: Part 3

“The Northern East Coast Region including the fabulous State of New York is a favorite among tourists when it comes to the glorious fall season weather. 

There is lots to see and do whether you are traveling alone or with family. Visit the historical sites and drive through the mountain range or walk along the lake shores.

  

Throughout the state, stop by area farmland produce markets, and include time for visiting the various shore points for great entertainment and fine dining. 

Have fun in the sun strolling the sandy beaches, then watch it all come to life at night with live entertainment and rides for any age.

While at the lake areas, drop by the shops for some special gifts and souvenirs you can only get in New York.  Don't forget those post cards you promised to mail!

There's a sweet time to be had watching candy makers while they make homemade candy, fudge or mouthwatering salt water taffy.  A gift like this is sure to please loved ones and friends back home.

If you are into boating, water skiing, fishing, camping or trailing, NY is a fantastic place to take the family on vacation.  Be sure to bring your camera and capture this season of fun for everyone!" 

Reading this little snippet, you might think it’s an advertisement brochure for tourists, or perhaps it's merely a summary of the first parts in this teaching series.  Although it does make the Lake District sound like an intriguing place to visit, in reality, it’s something else. 

As promised, I mentioned in past posts that there is always a reason behind any season of waiting on God, and I'd like to share that with you now.

Need to read the beginning of this teaching series?  No problem.

Waiting for Favor Season Part 1

Waiting for Favor Season Part 2

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Getting Understanding

The photo in the introduction and this one above is the glorious view we woke up to each morning from our villa stay at Sun Castle on the shores of Lake George.  In those moments we experienced how big God really is, and that waiting on His season of favor is totally worth it.  Thank you Lord!

Being able to take mini-vacations is an extreme blessing that many people have never been able to do, and neither did we for years after our honeymoon.  It was during the difficult seasons that we learned to lean on God for His preparing us to receive the blessings He gives through favor.

We had to learn about God’s seasons, which teaches us to wait for His perfect timing for what is best.  It’s easy for us to understand the changing of seasons when it comes to the weather, but the same applies to differing seasons in our life.

Take a look at these verses from the book of Proverbs in the Bible:

“A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.” (1:5)

“…Incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding.” (2:2)

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding (2:6)

“Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you.” (2:11)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” (3:5)

“Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and gains understanding.” (3:13)

If you haven't noticed there is something that is identified as “key” … here is the perfect scripture that sums it up entirely.

“Wisdom is the principal (main) thing; therefore, get wisdom.

And in all your getting, get understanding.” (4:7)

Recognizing our own seasons in life will help us handle situations and circumstances more effectively.  Through the counsel of the Lord we gain knowledge and understanding as did King Solomon, which led to gaining wisdom for operating in God’s Daily Favor.

The Purpose under Heaven

Yes, it may have taken years, but when we made our first trip to the Adirondack area things worked out for our good because it was the right timing and season as the Bible states in Ecclesiastes 3.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose

under the Heaven.”  (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV)

At the time we didn’t realize there was a purpose for those trips.  As the years went by God opened doors providing the finances for bringing couples to the mountains on an all-expense paid trip, to refresh and save rocky marriages.  It literally birthed my counseling career by introducing them to God’s idea of being united.

We sowed seeds into other during the season we were in at the time.  Our "season of life" has completely changed since then, but God’s promise of favor on those who trust in Him has not.

Season of Hope

Maybe you’ve been waiting for your season of favor to come, but it seems like it’s just out of reach.  The season of hope is taking forever and there’s no way the desires of your heart will ever be met.

Bills keep piling up, out of frustration arguing with your spouse has reached new heights over finances, you feel depressed, repressed, oppressed and every “pressed” there is.  

About now you’re completely stressed with no strength to fight back.  

Let me lift the veil of discouragement so the Light of God is able to shine hope on you with His truth. 

“But the people’s minds were hardened (closed to understanding), and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth.

This veil can be removed only by believing in Christ.  Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand.  But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” (2 Corinthians 3:14-16 NLT)

The veil that is keeping people from understanding their season can only be removed when they put their faith in Christ.  Without belief the covering that prevents them from seeing the truth will stay on them keeping confusion, discouragement and oppression alive and active.

Believing and trusting God removes the doubt and lies of satan that cover our being able to stay in faith or think clearly.  Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that without faith it’s impossible to please God, and the devil knows that.

“A man cannot please God unless he has faith. Anyone who comes to God must believe that He is. That one must also know that God gives what is promised to the one who keeps on looking for Him.” 

(Hebrews 11:6 NLV)

We have no control over life or nature seasons, if we did, we wouldn't have to wait.  Some seasons seem to fly by while others take their good old time.  What we have to be mindful of always is that if faith is gone, there is no hope of a season of favor to ever happen.  

"And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding." (Daniel 2:21 NKJV)  

So what's happening that we can't seem to "get" understanding from the knowledge we've learned?  Confusion has set in because we don't understand the season and why things are taking so long. 

We wonder "why is this happening" instead of being in awe of what God is doing.  Later we finally see that God was working for our good all along.  

"God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT)

There is A Reason for Your Season

“To everything there is a season,

and a time for every purpose under Heaven.”

(Ecclesiastes 3:1 BSB)

Although it may be hard to see or understand, God has a reason and purpose for every season we experience, even in waiting on His favor.  He sees the whole picture and knows the right timing for everything so the situation works out for good in the long run. 

"And we know that God causes everything to work together 

for the good of those who love God and are called according 

to His purpose for them." (Romans 8:28 NLT)  

Ecclesiastes 3 talks about seasons in life.  We'll go through lots of them in our lifetime and can't change what God has already set in motion.  Often a season will bring on "spring" cleaning attributes where we empty out our lives of the junk that has been clouding our life vision and relationship with the Lord.  

Most understand the concept of sowing in one season and reaping in another when it comes to agriculture.  We have no problem waiting for the seeds to take root and grow to maturity before harvesting.  However, when the season comes to an end we rejoice not in the waiting, but in the final product that came with patience.

This theory also applies to spiritual seasons as well. The difference is how we respond to the waiting that will determine the outcome and length of time we have to wait.  Usually we grow weary, impatient, frustrated and abandon God because He's taking too long to grant favor on something we pleaded for in prayer. 

How many times have we forgotten the promise of God for that "due" season which is to come?  It's during the times of waiting that we need to reflect on past experiences where God has shown up and delivered on His Word, because we were disciplined enough to obey Him when we didn't understand what was happening.  

“You shall therefore love the LORD your God and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments. Know this day that it is not your children who have known and seen the discipline of the LORD your God: His greatness, His mighty hand, and His outstretched arm; the signs and works He did in Egypt to Pharaoh king of Egypt and all his land …”  (Deuteronomy 11:2 BSB)

Just like the Lord reminded the Israelites of what He had done for them, we need to remember what was learned through our own experiences.  It will help us stay faithful to God during the waiting season.

This Week’s Challenge:

Trust God with Your Season of Favor

I hope you enjoyed reading about a few things I've shared personally.  With each trip we could see God's mighty work, blessings and favor on us and those who put their trust in Him.  We also witnessed His hand withdrawn from a situation when the enemy (satan) was believed instead.  

Maybe you aren't waiting to take that fabulous vacation because you desperately need a break, but are in need of something much greater. Perhaps your season of favor is for a better job with benefits, healing for your body, food for the family, new shoes for the kids, a home complete with all the "extras" (running water mainly), some means of transportation or a windfall of cash to finally get out of that mountain of debt.  God knows it all and is ready to fulfill His promise to you.

“But I keep praying to You, Lord, 

hoping this time You will show me favor.  

In Your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer 

with Your sure salvation.” (Psalm 69:13 NLT)

Take this challenging opportunity to gain insight, knowledge, direction and intimacy with the Lord.  What is He telling you?  If you don't know Jesus as Savior make that commitment to Him right now and receive the favor gift of salvation.  

There is a good reason and purpose for having you wait on certain blessings.  Do you love God? Then trust Him and His timing; the result will be better than you could have ever imagined. 

“No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, and no mind has imagined 

what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Don’t give up on hope!   Be encouraged that God’s work lasts for eternity and you will receive the benefits for waiting on His best.

The Lord has heard your prayers, and watched your faithfulness. You are gaining knowledge that brings understanding.  Through application of this information you are becoming wiser in decision making.

Patiently wait and stay in faith.  Keep studying the Word of God and be obedient.  Jesus knows where you are and what you can handle.  Your season is about to change and the favor you’ve been waiting for is going to come – believe it.

Everything Has A Season - Your Favor Season is Coming!

To everything there is a season,

and a time for every purpose under Heaven."

 (Ecclesiastes 3:1 BSB)

 Let this mind be in you ... 

Lord speak wisdom to me through Your Word!

To Everything There Is A Season

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

Until next time, pray for wisdom during a season of favor.

“Seasons of favor do come.”

- Jesus Christ

*Unless noted, the names in articles are 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. 

What’s New This Week: Click on link.

                 

 The Seasons of God:

How the Shifting Patterns of Your Life Reveal His Purposes for You

by Richard Blackaby

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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 About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

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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.

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Image: Sun Castle Resort  Sun Castle Villa  There Is A Purpose  Christ Our Hope  Seasons of Life

Labels: Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Waiting for Favor Season: Part 3, Hope, Waiting on God, Obedience, Understanding, Teaching Series, Inspirational, Faith, Vacation, Relationship, Weekly Challenge, Wisdom

A New Thing

The appointment was set for 10:45 in the morning.  Our moods weren’t the best they could be, but that was due to the lack of sleep on both parties. (If you are following the Hubby posts you understand this.)

Leaving the house I reminded my husband to bring his medicines.

“She wrote them down yesterday so I don’t need them.”  Well, that didn’t matter to me.  What did matter is that he wasn’t listening to me but another woman.

Welcome new friends this week from:

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

New on DFB – Angola; Milan, Lombardia, Italy; Lima, Peru; Quezon City, Philippines; Bangkok, Thailand; Gaza, Palestine; Cairo, Egypt; Croatia; Serbia; Comayagua, Honduras & Austria.

USA – Paris, AK; Eucha, OK; Dahlgren, VA; Green Bay, WI; Brookings, OR; Highlands Ranch, CO; Newfield, NJ; Slippery Rock, PA; Muskegon, MI; Tampa, FL; Saint Paul, MN; Rehoboth, MA; Brattleboro, VT & Swansea, MA.

Thank you for your continued support. Let me know if I left anyone out; thank you for sharing this Outer Journey on Daily Favor.  (DFB - Daily Favor Blog) 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). Visit the Q & A and other sections. at the top and sidebar.  Great Minds Think Alike As my husband helped me in the car he said, “What’s the matter?”  I didn’t say anything, but he knew what to do.  Back in the house he went to fetch the bottles he should have brought in the first place. After he got back in the car I vocalized why I was upset. “I don’t care if a million people told you not to bring your medicine; I asked you to bring them.  You made a promise not to question me about this stuff.  We may need them.”  “I know, I know …” he said as he backed out of the driveway. We arrived at the heart care physical rehabilitation center and two cheery hellos greeted us as we made our way to the desk. “How are you today?” Sharon asked as I plopped the medication bag, my arms and chin on the counter. (It’s rather high.) With a subdued voice I responded, “That’s a question that shouldn’t always be asked.” Then I explained how my husband had several episodes of “stop breathing” that put a scare in us, so the rest of the night we were uneasy. She understood. “I see that you brought his medicines.  Good girl."  My husband looked at me and then Sharon as if we had it planned!  Life is Changing Collecting the paperwork she quickly got around to the business of hooking up a heart monitor on my husband before he got on an exercise machine.  While he was doing that a lady named Wanda showed him the ropes on how he was to use the treadmill. Now this was a cool machine! My husband knows how to use a treadmill, this seemed silly. Only a minute on the machine he learned it wasn’t silly, and had to be patient learning to use it in a new way.  You see after something different has happened to your body, you can’t do things the same way as you did in the past.  This has been the pattern we’ve seen all week.  Learning a new thing. Through all this I’ve asked the Lord, “What are you doing?  What are we supposed to be getting out of this?”  I can see things happening and falling into place, and they aren’t coming from people I know.  They are however, coming from Christians who have joined forces causing the world to bow to the requests through prayer. Whenever I am going through something I am driven back to the scriptures, mainly James chapter 1.  When a Christian experiences trials and tribulation we aren’t to be surprised.  As a matter of fact, if we aren’t having them every once in a while that should surprise us. I asked my husband what God was saying to him, and the Holy Spirit took him to Isaiah 43:19. “Behold, look, I am doing a new thing (in your life)!  Now it springs forth (it’s happening now); do you not perceive and know it (can’t you see it?) and will you not give heed to it? (Give in to the new thing I’m doing)?  I will even make a way in the wilderness (dead ends that give no passage) and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19 AMP emphasis mine)  I don’t think God talks like this, but it was if He was saying, “Dude, don’t you see I’m, working on something here?  Can’t you see that things aren’t going the way you think they should, but they’re working out anyway?” (Can you picture God saying dude?) We could clearly see that God was at work, but we couldn’t put our finger on it.  Everything was changing and we needed to learn more. You’re Not Alone The session went well and we were headed out the door with heartfelt partings, when Wanda called out, “You’re not in this alone.” She wasn’t even looking at us but at the computer when she said that. It was if it were a last second add on to a paragraph or ending of a story. For the next day that rang in my spirit as a witness from the Lord from what we’ve been learning.  Image: Sight & Sound Do remember Jonah from the Bible?  He was a man that God wanted to use, yet he carried hatred in his heart.  God had plans for something great to happen in the city of Nineveh, but Jonah went against what God told him to do.  He seriously needed an attitude adjustment in forgiveness.  We know this, because Jonah’s disobedience caused him tremendous trials, nothing like any human has ever experienced (that is unless you know someone who has been swallowed up by a large fish and lived to tell it.) What God was revealing to me is that even though Jonah made some wrong choices, He never took His hand off his life or left him alone.  He wasn’t the only one that God did this with throughout their journey. There were plenty of people who didn’t understand the plan of God, messed up and still came out blessed.  However, there isn’t anything that tells us that Jonah ever changed his heart against the people, but God’s plan still went forth.  His example is one that listened and obeyed, but not with a pure heart. God wanted to do a new thing by giving the people of that wicked city a chance to repent, but Jonah wanted no parts of it.  We don’t read about any blessing on his life even though he eventually did what God asked.  He fought like a rebel.  He's an example of what not to do. Believing Doesn’t Always Mean Understanding We can also look into the accounts of Abraham, Isaac, Joseph and King David following along their journeys.  God had given guidelines for each of these people and certainly there were times that the requests didn’t make sense to them. Abram's journey was God doing a new thing that changed his life! Do you think Abram (before God renamed him) understood why the Lord would have him pick up and leave everything and everyone? God had a new thing in mind, and even though he didn’t “get” the plan, he got the blessings because he believed God and moved. Now he was late in doing it, but he did as God said and the Lord did many new things in his life. With each of these figures God gave them new people, places and things to help them along their journey.  He hasn’t stopped doing that.  God's walking this journey with us. I don’t know what is happening in your life right now, but I do know that you aren’t to be an island unto yourself.  The Lord is bringing people into our lives to help us finish what He has started through us. His promise, “I will give you a new family” didn’t mean biological family, but spiritual one that will encourage you to stay on route. He was also using strangers to do that.  Wanda didn’t know us, but was reminding my husband of his calling and that time is short for finishing our course. A few minutes later the room was empty except for the staff, one lady and us. Everyone in the room was a believer. It was as if God emptied the room so she could continue and she did. “We’re not supposed to talk about this …” then she quietly began singing a song from her church. You could feel the spirit of the Lord working, doing a new thing. Rivers of joy were springing forth in a desert place, giving hope to a situation the devil tried to destroy. God’s New Thing Removes the Old Thing What Jonah didn’t want was for the “old sin nature” from the people of Nineveh to be given a chance at the new thing God wanted to do in their lives. He wanted to hang on to the old and let the people suffer for their wrong doing, but that’s not the way God operates. We don’t have time to waste getting trapped in the old things of this world.  God is doing a new thing, because it’s the time when people are searching.  "Thus says the Lord, Who makes a way through the sea and a path through the mighty waters.  Who brings forth chariot and horse, army and mighty warrior. They lie down together, they cannot rise; they are extinguished, they are quenched like a lampwick: Do not (earnestly) remember the former things; neither consider the things of old.  Behold, I am doing a new thing ... now!" (from Isaiah 43:16-19 AMP)   What we need to realize is that what we did in the past isn’t what God is doing now. His new thing removes our old past or way of doing things.  He is a NOW God and we need to get with the program. A New Thing Brings A New Way These steps lead to no place, but God's steps lead us to favor! One of my favorite songs we sing in church is written by Don Moen called, “God Will Make A Way.”  It is based on our scripture for this lesson in Isaiah and gives voice to what we believe. “God will make a way, where there seems to be no way.  He works in ways we cannot see.”  This statement we need to take to heart and really believe it.  If He is doing the new thing in our lives, doesn’t it make sense that He will also provide the way for it to work even if we don’t understand it? Something else we forget is that if it’s His plan and His way, won’t He lead us in the direction that He has already plotted out for us?  The Lord isn’t going to lead us in a way that others do, as a matter of fact his plans will take us through the wilderness and not around it.  Why is that?  The reason God does this is because He is the only one that knows where the help will come in the middle of a desert place.  He put the river smack in a place that no one would look or go to without a guide, but His word promises that you will see it.  It is measurable. Most people would stick to what they know from the past and keep tripping along the path, thirsting for water from a dried up river.  You’ve heard of it, taking the road less traveled.  There’s a reason people don’t take it; because it looks too hard and bumpy. My friend, God will send you in a direction that no one wants to travel, knowing that there already is help waiting for you when you get there.  His new thing brings a new way, which is different from the roads you have taken in the past and will take you to a new blessing you’ve never experienced! This Week’s Challenge: Look for the New Thing What is happening in your life that looks like there is no way to change the situation? What to do when you can’t possibly see a way out of it. First we’re going to take it to the Lord and ask like we learned in previous lessons.  Second we’re going to find the passages in the Bible that make a statement concerning our situation. For example, maybe you have a life threatening health problem.  Begin to proclaim the verse “I shall not die but live, and shall declare the works of the Lord.” (from Psalm 118:17 NKJV) Perhaps it’s a financial matter; declare “My God will supply all my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NKJV) Or you need emotional or physical strength: “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)  I think you get the idea.  If you don’t know where a verse is that fits your situation look up the word in a Bible concordance. Some are even online.  It will take you to passages that you can pray. Third, be aware of the new things that don’t make sense in your life, and see if you can recognize that God is doing a new thing.   Those new things are His new ways to lead you to your victory. He may bring people into your life to help you or take you to places that you’ve never been, and you’ll find your answer there.  A “river” of blessings and favor are coming. Believe you will have the strength to finish your course.  He hasn’t forgotten about you and has a good future for you.  Don’t be afraid to enter the “wilderness” meaning the new thing Jesus is doing in your life at this moment. God will be with you, guiding you to that something wonderful.  Get ready! He is doing a new thing today. God Will Make A Way (New Version With Lyrics) Don Moen Until next time, God’s new thing will bring favor to you.    “I’m doing something new for you. Don’t you see it?” – Jesus Christ What's New this Week:  Encouragement Changes Everything: Bless and Be Blessed 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” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior. Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy. A.N.A. logo by J.C.Penney, Inc. Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provide by Bible Gateway Image credit: Google Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified. Images: Meds  Abraham  Journey Map  Ocean Scene Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.