In the Sight of God and Man (Part 3)

Have you ever been in a situation where you honestly didn’t know how you would ever get out of it unscathed? 

As an adult I’ve had plenty of experiences where I called on God to bail me out of it, but as a teenager I didn’t have much under my belt to fall back on in the mess I was in over the accident.

How in the world was I going to pay back my friend for the car I just totaled when I didn’t even have a job yet?  Plus, it would take a whole lot of “stuff” I didn’t have in order to get back in my parent’s good graces.  I didn’t have a clue how all this would work out … all I could do was hope it would.

Welcome friends …

I am so thankful for your visit and hope that you come back each week as we spend time in the study of God’s Daily Favor "where faith and favor meet"!© 

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 new product.

Be sure to visit Tell Me, Q & A or other sections.

Read “In Sight of God and Man” Part I 

Read “In Sight of God and Man” Part 2

Mercy and Truth

Months went by and everything seemed to be settled, when a notice arrived for me to appear in court.  Then a letter from the other driver's lawyer came stating that they were going to be suing for damages and that a witness would be called who had seen everything.

My Dad wasn’t a “real” prayer warrior, but mom was and so was our youth group.  Prayer is something I witnessed and learned to do as a child.  Realizing what we were up against the Lord would have to defend the cause if we were to find favor in winning this trumped up case.  King Solomon’s wisdom was heeded.

“My son/daughter, do not forget My law,
But let your heart keep My commands;
For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.

Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
And so find favor and high esteem (good understanding)
In the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths. (make them smooth or straight)”

(Proverbs 3:1-6 KJV)  

Right then mercy and truth were what we were counting on … mercy of the court and me telling the truth about what really happened that day.

Super Lawyer

Hubby to be told my father about this so-called "witness" and he decided that it would be necessary to get a lawyer.  He hired a lawyer who was probably the toughest and most feared of any in that portion of the state.  This man was no nonsense, direct and just plain tough as nails. 

Everything was set for the court date when we were met with another surprise.  The day of the hearing, "Super Lawyer" couldn't make it and sent confident young "newbie" lawyer to fill in for him.  Dad wasn't happy with the situation especially after forking out money for this attorney that came so highly recommended. I could tell how upset he was which added to my nervousness.

Help from Trouble

The proceedings commenced and the other driver's lawyer put on a good show.  He spurted out all sorts of charges, details and information that didn’t make sense. 

Scripture tells us to go to the Lord and let Him plead our case. Silent prayers in that courtroom and at home were hitting the Heavens rapidly.

“In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He heard me.
Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue.”

Psalms 120:1-2 NKJV)

No one could understand where he was getting this stuff, and the judge had enough cutting him off in mid-sentence.

When the judge asked about their witness he was told that he couldn't make it but they would go on nonetheless.  I guess the thought of lying under oath didn't appeal to the man.

Then it was "newbies" turn and you could tell that he was nervous.  Not to be disrespectful, but from the moment he opened his mouth and started deliberating you might have thought that he was for the other side.   

Listening to the stand-in that was trying to fight my battle in court, scripture couldn’t have been truer with me thinking,

 “Lord give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless!”

(Psalm 60:11)

There was no escaping how terrified I was with my defense strategy and I started growing anxious. The courtroom became so intense as everyone listened to my legal adviser who was sinking me deeper in trouble.  All I wanted to do was stand up and stop this man before he had me found guilty and tossed in jail. 

It didn’t look like God had heard our prayers. Who then would deliver and fight for me if He didn’t?  God indeed did hear us and would be faithful to His Word without me having to take the witness stand.

“They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you.

For I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you.”  (Jeremiah 1:19 KJV)

Several times the judge looked at me as if it were him standing on trial desperately waiting for someone to intervene to get him out of the entire ordeal.  Tapping his hands on the desk he was getting uneasy with how things were going and wanted to put an end to it.

Picture this … it was so bad that while he was still rambling on the Judge stopped him.  Straightening his back, he sat up in his chair and leaned forward on the desk.  Adamantly interrupting my counsel.

"Is any more of this necessary?  Because I had already decided on the young lady's innocence before you started talking. If you continue, I might change my mind!"

“The LORD shall preserve (keep) you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
 The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.”

(Psalm 121:7-8 NKJV)

Praying that he would adhere to the advice of the Magistrate we waited for his answer with baited breath.

Responding in a quivering voice, "Oh no your honor, I'm finished."  

"Good!”

By now Dad was really unsettled quietly saying, "That lawyer almost blew it for us.  I think I just wasted a lot of money."

Turning his chair toward me, he continued with the verdict.

“Miss … you are not guilty.  No points will be assessed to your driving record and the plaintiff has no grounds for suing for damages or court fees."  

When he was finished the Judge chastised the man and his lawyer for wasting the court's time on something that was clearly his fault doubting that much truth had actually come from the statements that they had made.  

Banging his gavel he proclaimed, "Case dismissed". 

Gleaming with pride over winning the case, "newbie" smiled and said, "You're innocent, you may go."

Finding Favor in the Sight of God and Man

With the trouble I was in there was no way I could imagine this turning out for my good, but God knew differently and I began learning about His unmerited, unchanging favor on those who love Him.

“… Don’t forget My law,
… keep My commands so mercy and truth don’t forsake you;

then favor and high esteem will find you

in the sight of God and man.”

(Proverbs 3:1-4 emphasis mine)

Listening to the guidance of godly elders when I was young, (Proverbs 1:8) I kept the commands of God in my heart not forsaking the truth (of the promises of God and in telling it).  When I did my part, it allowed God to do His in order for us to have victory.

God will stand and fight for us until we are delivered, if we believe He is able to do more than we can ever ask or think.  He will cause your enemies to scatter and fall in the battle!

The Lord worked out the differences with my father and his worker (owner of the car), which restored my relationship with both of them.  He caused the finances to come in and also rebuked them from being taken by a liar in court.

God heard the prayers of the Righteous giving favor from a discerning Judge despite all the evidence pointing against me.  Mercy and truth had not forsaken me after all.  He honored and esteemed my police report testimony highly, recognized dishonesty reading between the lines of what people were stating as truth.

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

(Psalm 84:11 NKJV)

It has taken many years for me to understand how deep the favor of God really is and how He causes mankind to show it to others.  One life changing thing that I have taken away from this is that His favor doesn’t begin when you can comprehend it, but when you become a child of the Living God. 

Now that’s truth you can live by to sing your victory song!

                                             Fighting for Us by Michael Farren

The Battle is the Lord's by Ron Kenoly

If this series 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, let mercy and truth find favor for you.

Truth is a weapon for 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. 

New This Week:

How to Let God Solve Your Problems:

12 Keys for Finding Clear Guidance in Life's Trials

By Charles Stanley (eBook)

As always, all proceeds from this site go toward Christian charity.

Favored1 on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, 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 Get A Clue  Prayer in Court  Proverbs 1:8 

Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.  7/13/18

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 credit:  Creative Common License if not specified. 

News from Fay, Favored1, Daily Favor Blog, Where Faith and Favor Meet, Car Accident, Favor of God, Police Report, Witness, In Sight of God and Man, Judge, Innocent, Guilty, Charles Stanley, Ron Kenoly, Michael Farren

In the Sight of God and Man (Part 1)

At 3:00 a.m. I grabbed my Bible before crawling into bed from exhaustion.  Leaning over to the nightstand I opened the top drawer pulling out my electronic version to reread a passage that was bookmarked.

I’ve been focusing on the books of Psalms and Proverbs at night and wanted to compare a verse from two translations.  As I read the scriptures from the different references something didn’t seem quite right.

By now it was almost daylight and going back and forth over the scriptures I still had no answers.  I was trusting in the Lord, because understanding … well, let’s say it was yet to be found.

Reading through Psalms and Proverbs

I don’t recall how long it’s been since I’ve been reading a Proverb and/or Psalm daily, but I have tried to make it a regular practice.  In my studies I’m near the end of Proverbs and reading through Psalm 119.  Clicking on the passage I bookmarked on the electronic Bible, I saw the word “favor” in the last part of the verse. 

Wait a minute … why didn’t I catch this in the other translation a few months ago when I was reading that passage.  Now I really couldn’t sleep.

In Sight of God and Man

For those who want to study the Bible in depth, the third chapter of Proverbs is divided into three main topics: trusting God, wisdom, with the last section discussing how we should treat others.  Reading the first six verses in the beginning of the chapter there were two words that kept me rereading the passage.

Like many people, after you’ve read something several times you sort of just glance over it and keep going.  When I got to verse four I stopped and did a retake on what I just read. 

“… in the sight of God and man.”

Wait a minute … there are only a few biblical passages that make this claim and they are always attached with stipulations for the promise.  Back tracking a few verses, I found what they were.

Add This to the Mix

I love the book of Proverbs because it’s basically a handbook for Christian living for wisdom and favor from the Lord.  What the reader can gain from this chapter is that keeping the law of God adds days to their life, gives protection, peace and wisdom in decision making.

“My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep My commands;
² For length of days and long life

And peace they will add to you.

(Proverbs 3:1-3 KJV)

Here is where it gets a bit sticky.

^“3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.”

If you want favor to be added into the mix, it will take maintaining a lifestyle of being merciful and truthful. 

Wow, that’s asking a lot isn’t it? Now not only do I have to memorize the Bible, but I have to be kind, forgiving and tell the truth in order for God to give me instructions of which thing I need to do next?

You Can’t, but He Can

If you don’t think you can keep up with all the requirements, you’re right – YOU can’t, but the Holy Spirit operating in you can!  Anyone can keep or break a law, it has nothing to do with spirituality.  However, receiving God’s favor has everything to do with the born-again spirit.

When we ask Jesus to come into our hearts and forgive us of the sins we have committed against God, he does.  This doesn’t mean that we won’t sin again in our lifetime, but that when we do and ask forgiveness for that transgression, we will be forgiven.

You see, with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26) Being forgiven from sin allows us to walk in the Righteousness of Jesus and to receive the gifts of God.  Mercy, grace and favor are automatically made possible for the Christian when they trust in God as their source.

An unbeliever may receive “blessings” because they followed the laws of God, but they are not heirs to the spiritual blessings and favor from Him.  Often times people think that when things go their way it’s because they did something themselves, when it’s actually God causing things to fall in place for His children.

And So Find

^"3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
⁴ And so find favor and high esteem (good understanding)
In the sight of God and man.

After I read those two verses I had a little chat with the Lord.  I boldly asked Him to remind when I  as the scripture says, “so found favor and high esteem” placing me in a good light with mankind for being merciful and truthful. 

It didn’t take long for the Holy Spirit to drop something into my memory that took place many years ago.

My Real Fiance’

During a time in my engagement (okay my “last” engagement, no laughing!  This one stuck.), I made arrangements to meet my fiance’ for lunch not far from where he worked as a laboratory glass Lathe operator before he became a carpenter.

Not having much time, we ate in his car enjoying being together in the middle of the day.  Let me rephrase that – he ate, I watched!  Back then I was still shy about eating in front of him. How else was I able to maintain an under 85 pound figure?  I can assure you I’ve gotten over that phase!

It was time for him to return to work.  After making plans for later that night I got back into the Camaro and we started our engines.  

In A Split Second

My future husband went first and since I was going in the same direction I followed behind in my vehicle.  He made a left-hand turn crossing the railroad tracks, then pulling into the parking lot at work he looked in the rearview mirror to see where I was. 

Resting at a complete stop I made sure it was safe to turn left to cross over the railroad tracks as well.  I had almost finished my turn when out of nowhere a car came flying from the lane I had just turned across, avoiding all traffic signs in his direction.   

In a split second my life changed!  

Sorry friends ... you'll have to come back next week to read what happened to me in the sight of God and man!

Until next time, God’s favor is no accident!

Favored1 on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, 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 1  Image 2  Image 3  Image 4 Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.  

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

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

Favored1, Daily Favor Blog, Where Faith and Favor Meet, Wear and Share, In the Sight of God and Man,  Car Accident, Hubby Update, Daily Favor Relationships, Favor, Mercy, 

Waiting on (Miracle) Favor

Christmas Favor Series: Part 3  

Benny used to be a big time drug dealer in Chicago; that is until he accepted Christ as His Savior.  Getting out of the “business” he took on a regular job vowing to go straight for the Lord.  

About six months later he lost his job and happened to run into Sly, a former street dealing drug lord, who tried getting Benny back into his former illegal profession.   

“I know you must be broke not having worked in a few months.  Why don’t you do a few deals, I’m sure Jesus wouldn’t mind.”  Sly said trying to reel in his former top selling drug pusher.  In the past he was always very persuasive, and never had a problem getting his way on the streets of the windy city. 

“No man, my God is too good for that,” Benny replied turning around to walk away leaving that part of his life behind him. 

Sly didn’t “buy” into all that religious stuff and figured he still had pull with convincing a druggie to do his dirty deed.  Smugly Sly poked fun at Benny’s new lifestyle and sarcastically said, “Well, if your God is so good, why don’t you have a job?”   

Welcome new friends this week from:

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

New on DFB – Bolivia; New Delhi, Delhi, India; Montreal, QC, Dryden & London, ON, Canada; Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana; Liloy, Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines; Fiorano Canavese, Piedmont, Italy; Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, India; Saudi Arabia; Croatia; Puerto Rico; Ukraine. 

USA – Brookfield, Bethel, Danbury & New Milford, CT; Deltona, Pasco & Spring Hill, FL; Marietta & Statham, GA, Rockport, MA; Dundalk, MD; Fayetteville, NC; Hillside & Newark, NJ; Pittsford, Harrison, Penfield & Nyack, NY; Coal Township, Danielsville & Hazleton, PA; Dale City, Manassas & Woodbridge, VA; Eudora, KS; Bolingbrook, Carol Stream, Downers Grove, Glendale Heights, Marine, Wheaton, Bloomingdale & Bartlett, IL. 

I am so thankful 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 Christmas favor to abound in the lives of those who chose to believe in His Son, Jesus all year round. 

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).

Be sure to visit Tell Me, Q & A or other sections.

 

Hey God … Did You Hear That? 

When Benny got home he went into his bedroom and immediately dropped to his knees.  Tossing his coat onto a chair, he started his talk with the Lord on how he felt about what just went down with his former boss from the streets.  He had no problem getting to the point of his dilemma and spoke straight from his newborn Christian heart. 

“God did you hear what he said about You? My not having a job is making You look bad.”  Having poured out his complaint before the Lord, Benny went to bed that night feeling confident that he would hear from God.   

When God Honors Commitment  

For the past three months Benny had filled out dozens of job applications and even one for the city that was hiring for 50 positions.  With over 7,000 people applying he didn’t expect he’d be hearing from them. 

The following day Benny received a phone call from the city’s human resources department telling him to show up for work on Monday morning – he’d been hired.  God gave him favor in the position, despite his prior history which prevented him from gaining employment in the past. 

Slamming down the phone, Benny dashed out the door over to the dealer’s current location.  Knocking with a vigorous rat-a-tat-tat to get the attention of those inside, in his smoothest style Sly calmly opened the door.  Without any greeting or a hello, Benny got down to the reason for his abrupt visit. 

“Yo man, remember when you said, “Well, if your God is so good, why don’t you have a job?  Well, guess what. I have job and start on Monday.”   

For the next few minutes he tried sharing the gospel of how good God was to those who love and serve Him, stating that Jesus showed him favor over all those other people. This time it was Benny who was trying to sway Sly into turning his life over to Christ.  Not being able to do so, Benny turned around and left. 

Waiting to Share a Blessing 

It had been about ten years since Benny had that conversation with Sly when he met up with a young man at an evangelical conference in a different state.  Extending his hand out toward Benny in a warm, hearty greeting, “Spike” began to speak. 

“I’ve been wanting to meet you.”

“Really. Why?” 

“You remember that time when you went up to that drug dealer’s door and told him how God wanted him to have a job too?” 

“Yeah, but I didn’t see anyone else there?” 

“I was hiding behind the door. I’m his younger brother, and when you told Sly how to receive Christ I prayed that prayer.  I believed what you said about Jesus dying on the cross to forgive me for all my sins, and how He wanted to give me a good life. 

Ever since then I’ve served the Lord.  I went to Bible College and now God has called me to be a preacher.” 

What Benny then realized is that the waiting wasn’t really about getting a job, but God putting him in that place so the younger brother would hear the prayer of salvation.  God could have opened a job opportunity for Benny at any time.   However, waiting allowed him to gain favor for a better job that came available with benefits, and another soul was brought into the Kingdom of God.   

Benny was a vehicle God needed so a preacher could be birthed.  Not only did God want to show Benny favor, but in his waiting others were able to rejoice in what the Lord had done for them as well.   

Righteous Living God Notices 

This week I was thinking about the time I wanted kids (as I mentioned in last week’s post “The Blessing of Favor”), and the waiting on God aspect to see if my prayers would be answered.   When I heard Benny’s’ story I thought about how easy it would have been to get mad at God and give up my commitment to Him.   

Unlike Benny, I didn’t have the same kind of pressure that could have brought danger to my life like he did.  I can imagine how hard it was to stand firm in his relationship with God when nothing seemed to be working in his favor. 

Modern day stories tie in so beautifully with what was happening in the life of Elizabeth and Zacharias.  Continuing with recognizing Christ-mas Favor, the author of Luke tells us how this couple remained loyal to serving God in ministry, even when they didn’t receive the answer to the prayers of becoming parents. 

The good doctor explains what God saw in the lives of these righteous believers in verses five through nine of chapter one. 

“There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 

And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.”  

Faithful in their morals and to the Master, Zacharias and Elizabeth stayed committed even though things didn’t work out as they hoped in years past. 

 ^“But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.  So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.” (Luke 1:5-9 NKJV) 

They stayed pure in their profession of faith and duties to the Lord.  What if Zac’s response to God for not giving him an heir was that he refused to serve the Almighty?  The couple would have missed their Christmas miracle.  See why in verse eleven. 

“… Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him (Zacharias), standing on the right side of the altar of incense.” 

Where did the answer to prayer come for Zacharias?  He was at the altar of incense in the House of God.  He was about his Heavenly Father’s business. 

What was his ministry?  As a priest, Zacharias’ along with singing or praying, his responsibilities were to light the incense flame and change the oil.  If he decided not to serve God because his prayer to have a child wasn’t met, he would have never been in the right place at the fulfillment time of miracle favor. 

Elizabeth and Zacharias prayed together and often for a child, however it was while Zacharias was in the temple  that the answer came during his time of commitment to ministry and serving the Lord.  Through Zacharias’ obedience, he, his wife, their son, all the people in the outer court and the world would be blessed with the favor of salvation that was to come through Mary. Wow, that’s a lot to process when you think about it. 

It happened the same way for Benny, our new brother in Christ and it can for us as well if we stay committed to God while we wait for His favor to be manifested.  When we look at things through this point of view maybe not all our prayers are getting answered, because we’re sitting in past failures and pouting over unanswered prayers rather than standing on the promises of God. 

Reasons for Delayed Favor  

As Christians we are to always be looking to the Lord for answers, but all too often we only turn to God for a handout or quick fix to a mess we’ve gotten ourselves into when we failed to enter His throne room. 

One reason God may be holding back favor is to test our commitment.  While we wait for answers, do we hold back or totally withdraw our praise if we don’t get what we requested?  How many times have believers stopped going to church and cut back on praying because we’re not happy with how God’s handling our petitions? 

Another reason why God may say “wait” is so others will benefit from our prayers getting answered.  Sometimes they are connected to another individual in God’s plan, but we don’t see or know it (like in Benny’s case).  If our season for fulfillment came too early others would be left out for their time of favor, and no one would be rejoicing or have any joy to share about the goodness of God.   

Let me explain what I mean with our biblical couple.  The scripture tells us that not only Elizabeth and Zacharias would be happy about the birth of John, everyone would rejoice over it.  The plan of God for their son’s life would affect the world and he would be a blessing to mankind. 

“ … And thou shalt have joy and gladness;

and many shall rejoice at his birth.” (vs. 14) 

As the forerunner to Christ, we can understand why Elizabeth and Zacharias had to wait for their son to be born, because we have the full Bible that explains all the details.  How could they know that?  Their actions were solely based on faith and the belief that God’s way and plan was better than what they had in mind. 

 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.  For as the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV) 

We need to put ourselves in their shoes to comprehend what a big deal it was for Elizabeth to have a male heir.  The greatest joy for a Jewish woman was to produce a male child for her husband.   

“Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” (Luke 1:25 NKJV) 

It was taught among their beliefs that there were seven things that sent a woman to hell, and not giving her husband a son was number one on the list.  Yet through all the scorning they still served God. 

The Fullness of Favor:

Others Will Benefit from Your Waiting 

When God has something planned for our lives it usually is connected to what He is also doing in someone else.  Benny didn’t know it, but when he got the job, God was already working on the heart of someone he didn’t know.  Their lives crossed and Benny had no idea of what God did through him.  God received the glory, while Benny and Spike received His favor. 

With the couple now beyond normal childbearing years, God was able to show Himself Mighty.  Elizabeth no longer was in reproach among her people and the son of Zacharias would live in the favor of God his entire life.

 

The timing was critical for when God wanted this child to be born, and it didn’t line up with what the couple prayed.  However, God didn’t disregard their hearts desire, but delayed it until the fullness of favor could be given.  

“For he (John) shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb (starting before he was even born). 

And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God, and he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:15-17 NKJV) 

Why wait for God’s favor? 

There is a definite reason why we shouldn’t get discouraged when our prayers aren’t answered in our timing.  The benefit of waiting on God’s favor is that it’s always linked to His Divine plan, which means, more or better favor than man could possibly give. 

Elizabeth and Zacharias learned about the character, commission and plan of God for their son before he was born.  They were told he would be great, as in a world changer.  That’s something every parent wants to hear. (vs. 15) 

The angel described baby John’s destiny with him being the only person born to be commissioned as the forerunner of the Messiah.  He would have the privilege of giving the message of what and Who was to come – Jesus Christ. (vs. 16) 

Gabriel explained how God’s plan to answer their initial prayer of having a child would result in bringing many souls to the Lord. (vs. 17)  When we take all this into consideration, we should be super excited to see how great the favor will be that is given to us for serving God as we wait.  

How are these different? 

In any situation there are choices.  We’ve all had to make them; Benny made his and Zacharias the priest made his with one little downfall … unbelief. 

“… and Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years? 

 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.” 

Through the messenger angel Gabriel, God was letting Zacharias know that good things were about to happen in his life, but he didn’t get that part. He was stuck on rewind … “I don’t have kids … I’m old, too old.” 

Now here is something that used to puzzle me when it came to the priest talking back to the angel and when Mary asked him questions.  What was the difference between Zacharias asking how this could happen and when Mary asked how she would bear a child without having knowing a man?  This is it. 

… but what if we don’t believe? 

Mary wasn’t questioning what God could or would do.  She was inquiring as to how it would happen knowing it WOULD. 

Zac did wonder how it would happen, but not because he believed it would or could happen. He questioned the power of the Holy Spirit to do the impossible.  

 

Despite the teaching of his forefathers of the miracles God did through them (especially Abraham and Sarah), the man who offered prayers of peace up to God for the Israelites had unbelief in his heart. 

God’s plan was already set and He never changes.  “For I Am the Lord, I do not change …” (Malachi 3:6a NKJV) 

The Heavenly Father had intended on giving Zacharias a son all along, but circumstances had to change until they lined up with the timing of the favor of God to be fulfilled.  In the priest’s unbelief his ability to speak was revoked because he spoke against the Words of God. 

God sent the angel to say this …

“Your prayer is answered. Yes.”

 

Zacharias said this …

“No way, He can’t, I’m too old.” 

It makes you wonder why he even prayed if he didn’t think it could happen, right?  Oh wait … isn’t that something we have all done? 

“And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believe not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season (of Christmas Favor).” (vs. 20) 

When the season of favor was fulfilled (Elizabeth gave birth), all those who witnessed the miracle believed including humbled Zacharias.  Not believing in the power of God to change circumstances will cause us to experience things we never supposed could happen, but it won’t change God’s plan.   

Perhaps we could give papa some credit that he didn’t take the situation in his own hands like Abraham and Sarah did; but God saw things differently because His ways are higher than ours.  (Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV) 

Although there was doubt in his heart, God showed mercy (unmerited favor) to Zacharias and dealt with him accordingly so that he could no longer speak contrary to what God had already decreed.   

God shut Zacharias’ mouth not only because he had a name issue over what to call his son, but so that he couldn’t speak any more doubt or unbelief that went against what He had spoken through His angel.  In being rebuked, doubt disappeared throughout the months of silence and the priest’s relationship with God grew stronger as he continued to serve in ministry.  God confirmed his faith and his duties in the temple were not withdrawn.

 

This Week’s Challenge:

Waiting for Gladness and Joy Favor 

There are times when all believers dishonor God by falling into some part of unbelief, and our mouths spout off things we wished we head never said.  When we question the promises of God it limits what He can do for us, and causes confusion among those who don’t believe in Jesus Christ.  This is truly a gladness and joy stealer, because like Benny learned … 

“You never know who you are ministering to while

waiting for what God wants to establish through you.” 

We have to start looking at things through the eyes of God and into the bigger picture that includes more than me, myself and I.  When Zacharias said (like Jesus would say before He went to the cross in Matthew 26:39), “Not as my will, but as Your will,” miracles began to happen. 

In our Christmas Favor series so far we’ve focused on how we respond when other people are given favor from God, and for us to expect extraordinary favor like Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth and this week’s interest Zacharias received.  

The news the angel gave Zacharias was that he shall have (will have, expect it to happen) joy and gladness.  Others will also be glad for this favor miracle that God sent through him.  He came to give glad tidings, not to be questioned as to how God would perform this unmerited favor. 

Our challenge this week is to expect that the favor God wants to give us will be full of joy and gladness, so much so that it will affect those He places along our journey with Jesus.  In other words, with joy in your heart expect your Christ Favor to line up with the season that is best for your miracle. 

It’s time to clear our throats and prepare to praise God for what He wants to do through each one of His children.  We are His and with compassion He looks upon us with favor ... not ordinary favor, but joy and gladness favor that will bring others to Him. 

Some people think that Christmas is a season of miracles.  I’m here to correct that statement by sharing with you that God determines when our miracles will occur, not a season or time of year we ordain as “fulfillment season.”  

Don’t get caught in unbelief thinking God can’t do the extraordinary in your life.  Believe God’s Words and promises are true; they are unfailing.   

As you serve the Lord, stop questioning the when or how God wants to show His mercy on you, and prepare for the glad tidings with great joy.  

Your Words by Third Day 

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, joyfully wait on God’s favor! 

“Patience My child, favor season is near.”

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. 

What’s New This Week: Click on the photo or link.

 

A Treasury of Christmas Miracles:

True Stories of God’s Presence Today (eBook)

by Karen Kingsbury

Also available in hardback.

Favored1 on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and Hub Pages 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.

Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Gateway Bible.
Image credit: Google Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified.
Image:  God Arranging Favor  Man Kneeling in Prayer   Favor Job  Christian Conference  Righteous  Delayed  Baby John 1:15  Malachi 3:6
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.
Waiting on Miracle Favor, Christmas Favor, Elizabeth and Zacharias, Birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas, Favor of God, Christian Living, Waiting on God, Inspiration, Hope, Karen Kingsbury, Miracles, Relationship with God, Loving God, Righteousness.