Favor to Overcome

Overcoming obstacles sometimes seems impossible when it looks like all the cards are stacked against you.  By now you would have thought we graduated from adversity like this, but from the way things looked it appeared that wasn't the case.

It was on a Thursday when we received a call from the pain management clinic office to remind hubby of an appointment the next day.  After giving us the details, my husband informed them that once again they had wrong information concerning his case. 

Not being satisfied with what he was told I suggested that he call the insurance company, and the attending staff at the hospital.  He needed to talk to those who were familiar with his case before making any further decisions.

Without hesitation that’s what he did.  Who knows if it would make a difference, but at least we tried to do something!

  

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When Trusting God is the Real Issue

For several months the “problem” had been going on with a particular clinic. We felt discouraged and there seemed no way of resolving the matter.  The department was experiencing changes in staff from the top physicians and were in the midst of re-grouping.

Since my husband had recently been released from the hospital it was vital that this follow-up information on his health be processed and handled correctly.  Knowing this didn’t seem to matter to the person in charge and she wanted to do things her way.

What they were asking us to do was something that went against our faith and what we believed was biblical.  They couldn’t understand and were attempting to cause problems, mocking our faith and beliefs as followers of Christ Jesus.

When faced with the challenge, our conversation led us to question where were we placing our faith.  Was it truly in God, or was it in man?  Either we were going to trust God or not in working this out for our good; it was that simple … or was it?

Trusting God really wasn’t the issue.  The real dilemma was hoping that Jesus would work this out the way we wanted, and was what we wanted what He wanted?

In our nightly prayers we made our request known unto the Lord.

“I entreated (prayed for) Your favor with my whole heart; be merciful

to me according to Your word (promise).” (Psalm 119:58 NKJV)

When God Hears Our Prayers

Friday morning came and we had no word from the people my husband contacted the previous day.  I could tell that hubby was trying not to get anxious over the situation when he picked up the phone to cancel the appointment, but we felt this was the right decision.

Upon giving his cancellation notice, the receptionist told my husband that his appointment had been reassigned for later that afternoon with the correct doctor.  She pleaded with him not to follow through with his plan, because everything had been settled. 

Settled?  What did that mean?  Of course, we were glad but a bit confused as to what happened and how things changed so quickly.  

According to His Word, we knew God heard our prayers the night before and gave Him praise in advance for what He was about to do, but wow … this was fast!

The Turning of Hearts

Did you know that whatever you are going through at the moment, with Jesus by your side you can overcome any adversity?  When we place our trust and faith in the Living God, He can take a situation and turn it around in our favor. The Lord will even turn the hearts of those who want to harm you and they won’t understand why they’ve had a change of heart.

“The king’s (those in authority) heart is in the hand of the Lord, 

like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.”

(Proverbs 21:1 NKJV emphasis mine)

So, what happened?  My husband learned that the vice-president of the hospital personally took over the matter.  How he got the information we don’t know, but God saw to it that he did.

You see, this hospital isn’t like the “usual” kinds of establishment.  Every morning over a loud speaker an unpaid pastor prays over the patients, staff, volunteers and those that will enter the building before he (or she) makes the visitation rounds. 

There is something else about this small city hospital that you probably won't see in other care giving facilities of this nature.  Several of the waiting rooms have scriptures posted on the walls, and much of the staff are Christians.

The Spirit of God moved throughout the halls that day making sure the information concerning my husband met up with those the Lord was to use in turning the situation around for our good. We didn’t know how, if or when the Lord would do something, but we knew that the results relied on us trusting God for and with the outcome.

Favor Enables Victory

In the past every time my husband had an appointment with this firm, we have waited two to three hours (at least) before getting in to see the physician.  Your day is pretty much spent from merely waiting.

Things changed that Friday.  We met with the doctor and all the necessary paperwork was completed within forty-five minutes!  With God we overcame every obstacle that the devil tried to place in front of us concerning this situation.  

Scriptures tell us that those who put their faith in Christ Jesus, will be able to overcome the things that come against them in this world. Belief in Jesus as the Son of God is what causes favor to be released so the ability to overcome is established. 

Without Jesus the power of the Holy Spirit is not given for victory.  It’s the favor of God that enables victory for becoming an overcomer.

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. 

And this is the victory that has overcome the world, (even) our faith.

Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that

Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4-5 NKJV)

Instead of catering to fear, we prayed and trusted God to give us victory to overcome the problem.  He did by causing others to show us (hubby) favor. 

Maybe this is not what you want to hear, but the truth is God doesn’t say “I’ll remove all your problems, issues or obstacles that try to sideswipe you.” However, He does give us hope.  Let me share this for encouragement. 

When we put our trust in Christ, He promises to walk with us safely through the problem making sure it doesn’t overtake or cause us to fail.  This is how The Living Bible states what the prophet Isaiah said:

“When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression (those who come against you for harm), you will not be burned up — the flames will not consume you (victory to overcome will arise).” (Isaiah 43:2 TLB emphasis mine)

Anyone who puts their faith in Jesus Christ through salvation is connected to His grace, granting the goodness of God by giving the favor needed in each situation.  No matter the circumstance, don’t let fear be your guide, or it will cancel out the favor that waits for you.

Put your trust in what the Lord can do, not what you think you can do to resolve an adverse situation.  You have God’s promise that He will be faithful to empower those who believe in Him with favor to overcome every obstacle.

Fear Not, For I Am With You (Says the Lord)

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, God’s favor empowers victory! 

“My favor will empower you to overcome adversity.”  

- Jesus Christ 

Read more on overcoming adversity.

*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. 

What’s New This Week: Click on link.

    

BreakingOut of Trouble:

God's Failsafe System for Overcoming Adversity

eBook by: Dr. Creflo A. Dollar

  

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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.

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: Discouraged Man  Trust Me  Psalm 119:58 Overcomer 

Labels: Encouragement, Christian Living, Victory, Daily Favor Blog, Discouragement, Favored1, Adversity, Overcomer, Trust, Favor of God, Creflo Dollar

Ten Steps to Turning Your World Around

Did you know that “You ARE an Overcomer?”

Has your faith had such a workout that you feel you’re fighting for your life?  Well, not to put a damper on things friend, but you are.  There is good news though; someone has made sure you won’t go down for the count.

Lately I have been receiving messages and counseling a lot on starting over when you’ve been through something traumatic or life altering.  For some of you, so much has happened that you have given up on hope, therefore, your faith has nothing to support it.  Like my husband would put it, “your armor can’t take another hit.”

I wish I could say that I haven’t experienced that kind of feeling, but I can’t.  Job changes, losses, health, injuries, death, friendships broken, moving across country and other things have stolen joy from my life. Just like you, I could name these instances and gain sympathy from most people, because they have also been through these tragedies.

Hold on - Help Is on the Way

Over the years I’ve been on a quest in search for answers on how to press on when nothing made sense or was going right. 

Continuing in my education I had taken classes, read books, listened to spiritual messages and they have either led me nowhere or to the same place … God’s Word.  There is a ray of hope after all!

After a traumatic brain injury, normal became foreign in our way of living, so I've walked this road in my own life.

I’d like to rekindle the fire of God inside you and bring back hope into your life, with what I have learned throughout the years along my journey. 

 

Help is on the Way- Michael W. Smith Updated Version

 

Leaving Normal Life Behind

How do you start over when everything is different? 

Is there something to help us cope with life when there is no spouse or family around, health seems to be in jeopardy, jobs are scarce and the world seems to be falling apart? 

Someone asked me this question, “It hurts too much and I am so lonely.  How do I laugh and live life again?”  Another person said to my husband after a Sunday church service, “I had nothing to do with my birth, I know how to die, but how do I live?”  They weren’t trying to be negative, but were truly grasping at living a “normal” life as God intended, full of blessings, joy and favor.

What we need to understand is that through Christ, we are overcomers. It may not look like it now, but we are. Jesus said so.

 ^“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.

And this is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith.  Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

(1 John 5:4-5 NKJV)

The New Normal: A Lesson in Survival

Let me explain that what you are experiencing right now is called a "new normal."  After we have experienced something traumatic in our lives, we have to learn to live a normal life completely different than we have in the past.  We have to have the boldness to step out without the help of those we once had.

Is this possible? Yes, but it may be hard and take some time.  If you can hold on to this phrase, you will survive and come out better than you ever expected ... “It’s a process.”  Meaning, it won’t happen overnight, but by faith it will come to pass.

For some the problem lies with “self”, that is, expecting too much too soon.  We become impatient with ourselves or other people become insensitive to our feelings and situation.  There have been people that have said, “You should be over this by now.”  Who says?

Let’s face it, “normal” life in your world has been snatched away and not everyone will respond the same way as you do.  Don’t let that get you down.  “Normal” as it was in the past, is never going to happen.  Coming to grips with that takes courage given from God and good support groups in a godly atmosphere. 

So to answer that lady, “How do I live this New Normal Life?” here are some things you can do.

Ten Steps to Your

"New Normal"

Start slow, you don't have to do them all at once, but at least start.

1) Trust God's methods.  Pray and trust God no matter what.  I can tell you from experience; without that trust, you won’t make it.  Don't let fear stop you from making a change. You must have complete trust in the One that is greater than all circumstances.

2) Take a mental break. Allow yourself a chance to heal without questioning everything. Enjoy the little things that come moment by moment as you learn to cast your cares on the Lord.  Remember, you are starting a new way of living, so you don’t know the ropes yet.

“Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

(1 Peter 5:7 NKJV)

3) Sing, sing, and sing some more.  Music is the most effective way to stir the heart of man and God.  There is no higher adoration to God than praise, and that’s easy when you sing. I can always tell when my music quota needs to be refilled by the way I react to things.  If you are re-acting and not acting to daily situations, turn on some Christian music and sing.  It will change the way you think and act.

4) Spend time in the Word other than your daily devotions.  Look up passages in the Bible that specifically talk about what you are experiencing.  If you’re not sure how to do that, use a Bible concordance to help you. Study, write the verses down and mediate on them until they become part of your thinking.  I have done this; it works!

Doctors told my husband I would never recover, don't believe them. Get angry enough to believe God's Word over all naysayers. This is what I learned:

  “If we change the way we think,

we change the way we live.”

5) Find a Christian support group geared for that situation. People want to give encouragement, but because they aren't living your problem daily they forget about what you are battling.

Understand that sharing your feelings and experiences in a support group is good, but only if it is within a group of people that have experienced your kind of pain.  Just any support group won’t cut it.

 

6) Give yourself credit where it is due. You have probably made more headway than you realize.

7) Do something new.  To help us regain our joy, my husband and I purposed in our hearts to do new things.  We have tried projects, ideas and activities we never did before, and found new paths in our journey that were not explored. 

This has opened new doors and friendships into our lives, because we stepped out in faith letting God lead us to the “greater things” He has promised in His Word.  If you allow God to lead you through the valley you will be refreshed.

8) Change your environment.  This may or may not be a dramatic change for some, but literally move.  A new location won’t remove the pain, but a new environment may encourage you to step out in faith so God can work on your behalf.  Pray and ask God if this is what you should do.

Another change may simply be in the furniture or colors of a room.  It has been scientifically proven that colors make a difference in the way we think and operate in life.  What the world doesn’t understand is that colors have an aroma designed by God for our benefit.  We need to use them to encourage calmness, not rage into our emotions.  Remember this sentence, “If you go light (in color selections), you will feel bright.” 

This one may be tough, but God could lead you to leave your job (even in this economy), in order to help you through the healing process.  Be open to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and trust God to give you favor in another position.

9) Surround yourself with positive Christian people who make you laugh.  Sure you don’t want to talk to strangers or even feel like socializing, but that’s what you need to do if you can’t find any positivity in your friends. Don’t discuss issues, but just “be” part of the Body of Christ.  Learn to laugh all over again and healing will come.  The Bible says it is like medicine, so take a good dose of laughter daily.

“A merry heart does good, like medicine,

 but a broken spirit dries the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22 NKJV)

10) Get involved with something.  Dip into your bucket list and go for it. Whether it’s singing in the choir, Bible study, karate lessons, ceramic classes or a night course ... do something.  Get outside of your home and area. Focusing on a new skill will take your mind off the situation and help you deal with your emotions when you are alone. Plus, it will make you physically tired causing you to sleep when you couldn’t in the past.

 

Whatever you are going through, you can’t give up or give in to the feeling of hopelessness.  I’m proud of how far you have come. You’re going to make it.  How do I know that you will, because Jesus said you ARE an overcomer.  You have inside you what it takes to get through this, no matter what it may be.

Through Jesus, stay in the fight... the good fight of faith.  God said you are not going under.  It’s not hopeless.

The thing is that we forget the promises of God and that He is holding our hand all the way.

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:8 NKJV)

The Great I AM is living inside you, so how can you lose?  Jesus is the one Who will bring you through.  Let Him!

Your job: stay in the fight.  satan knows you’re not going under, but do you?  This is your victory … to be an overcomer like Christ said you were.

Don’t quit!

Don't give in!

Stay strong!

It's not hopeless!

  

Mandisa - Overcomer (Lyric Video)

 

 Did you listen to the words in that song?  The scriptures declare that "You’re an Overcomer" by faith.  It is a title given to you by Jesus courtesy of the cross.  Child of God, heir, righteous, saint, forgiven, blessed …overcomer.  Believe it.

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” (1 John 5:4 NKJV)

You are exactly where you need to be in this process, and are coming to the other side of “normal.” Be patient.

With each new day that God gives you grace and mercy (unmerited favor), find a way to share what you have learned through this.

Take notes so you see how you progressed and before you know it, you will have overcome.  You have the promise of Jesus that your tears will be wiped away and turned into gladness.

Everyone has reached a low point somewhere along their life’s journey.  You’re not alone.  Someone besides Christ knows what you’re feeling.  God will use your pain for His glory to help others and draw them to Him.  In the process you will be healed and your new “normal” will become a stepping stone to the daily favor of God.

 

 

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.

*Note: The word "satan" is intentionally in lower case, for we give him no authority.

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 Gateway Bible

Image source: Help is on its way sheet music.  Leaving Normal sign  Define Normal sign  Christ in you overcomer  Ten Steps sign  Fight of Faith sign  It's A Process sign

 

Does Religion Outrank Righteousness?

How busy are you doing things for the Lord?  Is your schedule filled to the brim with charity work, volunteering, giving gifts, chiming in on the list of prayer chains, feeding the poor and every other “work” you do in the name of Jesus?  

The reason I’m asking this is because years ago I took on that agenda for the sake of the cause … you know, doing God’s work and being His “hands and feet”.  So, I thought ... that is until the Holy Spirit revealed something I didn’t realize.  I was stuck in tradition that was designed and formed by mankind. 

Sometimes we think we’re honoring God by doing things we deem as “religious” to make people think we are godly, but God knows if our actions are only a front and aren’t from the heart.  In other words, He knows a hypocrite when He sees one and taking on a form of “religiousness” doesn’t replace “righteousness” in the life of a believer. 

Matthew chapter 15 of the Holy Bible describes how hypocrisy was running rampant in the synagogues and things were about to hit the roof.  The church leaders (scribes, translators and Pharisees) were watching the ministry of Christ for some time, and had followed Him from town to town looking for ways to discredit the Master’s teachings. 

At that time in Jerusalem, the religious rulers felt there was something concrete they could confront Jesus with concerning His illogical doctrine and methods in teaching that disregarded the things that were carved in their stony hearts.  They questioned why His disciples disobeyed and continually broke “old tradition” laws such as the custom of cleansing before they entered the temple or eating.  

Rather than answering, Jesus said something they didn’t expect:   

“Why do you break God’s commands by your ridiculous manmade traditions?  The prophet Isaiah was right about you who give lip service, but your hearts are far from Me.  Your worship to God is a mockery because you teach people that these manmade rules are really commandments from God.”  (verses 3-9 emphasis mine)  

Jesus explained that what they had been doing in the name of “God”, was actually instilled by their leaders.  Their form of religion wasn’t righteous at all, nor was it ordained by God to receive His unmerited favor on their “good works” and deeds. 

Even “secret things” people do that are hidden from the world, may also make them hypocrites and not true followers if their reason for doing a specific thing is for personal gain.  True followers and disciples believe Jesus and the scriptures.  They don't go against God with religious tradition or self-made rules that permit them to sin because they have regarded it okay in their own eyes. 

To Jesus everything we do, even our worship, is in vain if we don’t really believe in Him or His teachings. (vs.19) After the Lord finished speaking to the people the disciples sensed His message didn’t go over big with the crowd.   I have that same sense ...

Speaking to Jesus the disciples said, “Do You realize that what you said really offended the Pharisees?”  (vs.12) Of course, the Master knew that calling a spade a spade would upset people, because no one wants to be referred to as a hypocrite. 

Jesus said that anyone who isn’t truly His disciple/follower will be revealed and plucked out (pulled) by the roots.  They are rotten like a tooth that decayed and had to be pulled out root and all.  It was worthless, no good and needed to go.  
He went on to say for us not to waste our time on people who would rather keep tradition (“this is the way we do it around here”) over serving Him, calling them the blind leading the blind and both will fall into the ditch of hell. (vs.13-14)  

Is there anything you are trying to keep secret that you know is sin?  I agree that no one likes to think of themselves as having anything rotten in them.  Maybe there’s a little spiritual dirt or a few dust bunnies in the closet, but surely nothing that is “sin” lurking around the heart. 

Plotting to get someone back for the way they hurt us, sending nasty text messages, posting unkind comments on social media, lying, name calling, cheating on a spouse, having sex or living with someone before marriage, snagging supplies from the company, stealing (especially from your parents) or spreading gossip are only a few things “believers” may do and still think of themselves as being “righteous” followers of Christ.  

Okay, it may be easy to see how these add up to false discipleship with a form of religiosity or hypocrisy, but following after traditions of man and saying it’s all done for Jesus is no different in the eyes of God. 

Maybe you don’t fall into any of those situations and that’s great.  However, you still judge people who aren’t in your denomination or follow certain methods set in your church doctrine.  Ask yourself, do the traditions or practices violate the commandments of God in any way?  

Have you fallen into the category of thinking religious traditions outrank righteousness? If so, there’s something you can do about it right now. Repent. 

You are probably wondering where God’s favor comes into all of this, especially since I haven’t mentioned it so far.  Something that is wonderful about being a disciple/follower/believer in Christ is that He gives us grace – unmerited favor to repent (ask for forgiveness) and get rid of sin at the root.   

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NKJV)  

Being followers of Jesus also gives us permission to ask the Lord anything without being fearful of being ridiculed or embarrassed.  James 1:5 reminds us that if we lack wisdom or answers, all we need to do is ask the Lord and He will tell us what we need to know.

When Peter approached Jesus with his question the Lord didn’t tell him he was stupid or should have known what He meant.  He answered the question which helped the disciples understand what it means to be a hypocrite as a believer.  

Although it may be embarrassing it’s time to get honest with God, others and yourself by getting to the root of some behaviors.  Go before the Lord in prayer and ask God to reveal the unhealthy part of your spiritual journey and continue to be discipled by Jesus.  Don’t worry about your unclean hands or heart, Jesus will supply the sanitizer!  

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, embrace God’s unmerited favor! 

“Repent and receive favor for a clean heart towards Me.”  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.  

Teaching Pick of the Week: Click on the Amazon link below.

Living without Hypocrisy: How to Walk in the Light by Chip Ingram

4-part series from Ephesians 5:8-21.  4 CDs. Approx. 2 hours and 55 minutes.  

In This Series: 
Why We All Hate Hypocrisy (Ephesians 5:1-6)
How to Overcome Hypocrisy in Your Heart (Ephesians 5:17-18)
How to Overcome Hypocrisy in Your Public Life (Ephesians 5:19-20)
How to Overcome Hypocrisy in Your Private Life (Ephesians 5:19-20) 

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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. 

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.  Excerpt from Getting to the Root October 7, 2016 Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway. 

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

Forgiveness, Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Favor, Hypocrisy, Christian Living, Salvation, Chip Ingram, Repent