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

Favored1 on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and Articles.  

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.

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: 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

When Purpose Overrides the Dream: Part 2

Becoming a teacher was part of God’s plan for me, but His vision was larger than my dream.  His ways and plans are bigger and better than I even thought of or imagined.  

Read When Purpose Overrides the Dream: Part 1

Reverend Kenneth W. Hagin was right when stating many have stepped out without understanding God’s purpose for our lives.  He said,

“It’s important to keep your purpose in mind when walking with God.  Many people claim to be walking by faith, but they’re just walking.”

That was me.  I didn’t have a clear understanding of what God envisioned for me and thought landing a teaching job was achieving my goal.  How wrong I was. 

Just because you reach a certain goal doesn’t mean that’s all there is to be accomplished.  It’s simply a level leading to something bigger.  I love that!

Without steps leading toward a goal or vision we lose our way and often quit because the process often gets hard or overwhelming.  That’s where purpose overrides a dream or vision.  

Anyone can reach a goal with help, but to maintain it and go beyond always reaching for the cause takes the understanding of purpose for greater things much larger than ourselves.  This is where walking with God and depending on Him to make this happen turns into the real vision being achieved.  Without Him, we’re just walking with nowhere particular in mind. 

Stepping into Real Faith 

When I took my first steps toward becoming a teacher no where in my imagination would my lessons be reaching beyond the four walls of a classroom.  God’s vision for my becoming an instructor was much greater than my little dream of putting a few vocabulary words on a chalkboard to a handful of students each year. 

Deciding to spend time with the Lord, walking through each idea and stepping out into areas out of my comfort zone took real faith, trusting He would lead me to the job where I could make an impact for Him.  Instead of seeking a place to teach so I could “do my thing”, I asked God to put me where He needed me.  Once He did, I was way out of my arena of expertise and quickly found out the purpose of me being in that particular school.   In other words, I needed God’s favor to do His plan so my vision could be realized. 

Over the years my career expanded and not one of the schools where I substituted became part of my extended teaching places, not one!  Had I not listened to the leading of the Holy Spirit I wouldn’t have had doors open that led to international teaching or gained awards and recognition statewide for what God had put in my heart. 

Knowing Your Why 

Almost every child has been asked, “What do you want to do with your life?  What do you want to be when you grow up?”  At a young age we have some fantasies of what we want to be, but for the majority those dreams get swept away and fall by the way side never to be heard of again. 

They were pipe dreams we’re told; not reality some say and shouldn’t be pursued.  Maybe, but what if they weren’t … what if those dreams really were from God and He had a purpose for putting them in your heart? 

Have you ever asked yourself why you want to do something for a career?  Knowing the “why” or purpose of why you are doing something changes the way you do it and helps you to stick to the plan so that the dream, vision or goal is accomplished.  

When you are walking out the plan of God in your life, knowing He is directing your path toward favor, will give you the confidence needed to keep going.  That awareness can only happen if you are daily walking with and fellowshipping with Him.  

Get honest with yourself. Why are you doing things, really?  Are you expecting anything to come of it or are you just taking each day as it comes hoping to get through it until tomorrow?  If so, you don’t understand the purpose of your existence and that God has already made plans for your life to be something special. 

If you are losing focus on keeping up with your vision (vision board, goals and plans), it’s because you haven’t a clear understanding on the purpose of the whole thing anyway.  The purpose (for what you’re doing or want to do) is the key to seeing the vision come to pass, without it you’ll spend time wandering in the wilderness like the Israelites did.    

Reminding yourself why you are doing something will keep you going when goals are postponed, plans change and when all seems to be at a standstill.  You remember this is God’s plan and He finishes what He starts. 

“And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ (right up to the time of His return), developing (that good work) and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.” (Philippians 1:6 AMPC) 

Understanding your purpose in life is the fuel that jump starts the plans, which leads to goals being achieved, that ultimately fulfill the vision (dream).  Take some time to re-evaluate the true meaning of your vision/dream - “knowing your why”, and if God is a part of it.  If He isn’t, you won’t have His favor (grace) to accomplish the impossible!   You’ll have to do things in your own strength, which won’t get you as far as He had planned. 

When we walk with the Lord daily, He strengthens us with His grace and unmerited favor, giving us the ability to do something we wouldn’t be able to do on our own. 

“So you, my son (and daughter), be strong in the loving favor of Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:1 NLV) 

I know you want to get that vision board done and press on with life, but putting a few pictures on a poster won’t do anything except decorate the wall if it doesn’t have God’s purpose backing it.  Don’t be discouraged.  You’ll be able to accomplish the task of creating a fabulous vision board and writing out the set goals with more gusto after you’ve been walking with the Lord and settled the issue with His purpose in mind!  

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 always has a purpose! 

“My favor has purpose.”

Jesus Christ 

*Names in articles are not used or 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. 

Encouragement for the Journey: Click on link below.

 

The Call: Finding and Fulfilling God’s Purpose for Your Life

by Os Guinness

 AMAZON      Christian Books

Favored1 on Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest and Articles.   

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior. 

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.  Book Advert Photo by Anthony Godinho.

Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.  Any reference to satan or devil are not capitalized intentionally. 

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

Dreams, God Has Good Plans for You, Trust, Goal Setting, Vision, Vision Boards, Believe, Inspiration, Fay Ann Daniels, Daily Favor Blog, Encouragement, Favored1.

Take Courage and Take Charge

For the past year my sister has  walked a road she didn't choose or expect, and has had to endure 

"remaining in the battle"

of her life.  She has experienced such torment during her trials that at times it seems almost unbearable. 

 

I’ve been in prayer for her and have repeatedly asked the Lord to “take away the emotional pain”, yet it still remains.  The stress from the trials has affected her health and now a new storm is on the horizon.

Having been in "tormenting" trials myself you would think I could have given her great advice for the test she is undergoing.  The only words of comfort that kept me going are what I heard God tell me (in my spirit), “When you go through this new trial, take courage.”  He didn’t say I’ll give you courage, but to take it.  To take something is to literally bring it into your possession as if you had to pick it up in a physical action.

In our church I taught the congregation the song Be Strong and Take Courage.  I mistakenly kept telling myself that I needed to be strong leaving out the courage part.  If I was strong obviously I would have courage, right?  Wrong.  Strength is only a portion of courage. 

Willingly taking something into your possession is to believe in the person or thing you received. God was telling me that what I was to take (courage), was given to me by Him, and that He would remain with me as long as I kept courage in my possession.  I was not to fear or be discouraged, because He would be strong in me if I took the courage being offered.  The battle was with the spirits of darkness not man, and as soon as I tried to be strong on my own His strength and courage would leave me.

True Understanding of Courage

When we take medicine we believe the product is going to do what it suggests.  When it doesn't work, we bad mouth the company. Taking on a responsibility is to believe in the project.  Then why do we bail on so many things we once had such energy for in the beginning?

In marriage ceremonies the preacher will ask, “Do you take this person in matrimony.”  People respond that they do, but then get divorced.  So actually, they didn’t “take” or “believe” in the individual without reservations.  Something happened that changed the way they first believed.  What happened to the strength and courage to believe in the relationship?  Trust was broken.

Often we say we have received Christ as our Savior, but actually that’s not true.  If we truly believed God by trusting Him totally, we would take Him by faith into our lives and receive all He has to give.  No matter what happened, we would still believe He is in control over the good and bad that comes into our lives. We didn't lose strength, but somewhere along the way we lost our courage and heart to keep believing.

 

Look at this passage in Joshua 1:7-9:

⁷ Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. ⁸ This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Read how it's stated here:

¹² Only may the Lord give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. ¹³ Then you will prosper, if you take care to fulfill the statutes and judgments with which the Lord charged Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and of good courage; do not fear nor be dismayed. (1 Chronicles 22:12-14 )

A new command was given to Joshua, but he didn’t feel he could carry out the task God had given to him.  The burden was great and he didn't feel equipped. He came up with excuses and reasons why he wanted out of the assignment.  It was only the Lord who could give him the wisdom and understanding that he needed to do what was being asked of him.

4 Commands to Follow

                         

                          1. Be strong

                          2. Be courageous

                          3. Don't be afraid.

                          4. Don't get discouraged and quit

Joshua needed wisdom and understanding to carry out God’s laws in the face of trials.  He wasn't to ask, "Why me Lord?" He was told that if he continued in following the plan without getting discouraged or being afraid, that strength and courage would see him to a good end.  God even gave him charge over the circumstances. All the components for victory were there if he followed God without questioning the methods of God.

 

Take Courage & Take Charge

We cannot know what will happen in our lives on this earth, but we can believe there is a purpose for every road we must walk. 

I’m not going to tell you to "Just be strong", because we cannot be strong on our own.  I will ask you to pray for the wisdom and understanding needed, to take the courage you need, in order for you to take charge over the battle in your life.

“It’s not by might nor power, but by My Spirit says the LORD.” (Zechariah 4:6 NKJ)

If you need strength, ask God for His strength and the courage to help you endure to the end of the trial. 

Let God take your tears and sorrows, and in exchange take the strength and courage He has generously given to take charge over the situation.

Jesus is not surpirsed or at a loss for answers over this trial.  He has been there and already has a good plan in the works.  The Lord knows how you feel and what you need to be victorious.  God lives in you - trust Him.  He is the One that will be strong for you, but only if you "take" the courage that is made available to you as His child. 

Listen to this song led by Don Moen.  Believe that in God's might and power you will be free.  Don’t be afraid to submit to His will in this trial, by love He will lead you through to the other side.  You can experience what it means to walk in the Daily Favor of God.

 

 

 



Copyright 2013 by Favored1

Scripture from the Holy Bible courtsey BibleGateway.com

Photo by Royalty Free Google  Images

 



Until It Clicks

Seems I'm not alone in this!

All day long I was feeling uncomfortable. It wasn’t from something that was going on, although it was during a stressful time.  My clothes just didn’t seem to fit right and the neckline was tighter around my throat than usual.  

Throughout the day my dress straps kept falling off my shoulders.  I couldn’t figure out why it was happening, but it did cross my mind “maybe I’m losing weight.”  Wishful thinking was all that turned out to be. 

It wasn’t until 11:30 P.M. when we were giving Jewel her last feeding for the day that it clicked in my mind. Sitting down to get into position to hold Jewel, her paw got caught on my clothing label.  When I tried to loose her I noticed that my dress was on backwards and I’d worn it that way all day! 

Welcome new friends this week from:

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

New on DFB – Algeria; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Lecco, Lombardia & Gamberale, Abruzzo, Italy; Damascus, Damascus Governorate, Syria; Ivrea, Piedmont, Italy. 

USA – Chaparral, AZ; Daytona Beach, FL; Kabetogama, MN; Warrensburg, MO; Charlotte & Greensboro, NC; Brotmanville & Haddon Heights, NJ; Las Vegas, NV; Hermitage, & Philadelphia, PA; Strasburg, VA; Appleton, WI; Inwood, WV. 

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

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).

Read News from Fay, updates on Hubby’s Heart and visit the Q & A or other sections.

Backward Thinking

When it comes to doing things backwards, I’m not at the head of the class for that lesson.  Once I’ve learned something I generally stick to that for pretty much - forever!  After all, who wants to relearn what you’ve already learned right?  Well … not me ... at least that's what I thought. 

Learning to undo what you’ve known to do for a lifetime is practically impossible, that’s what Destin Sandlin from Smarter Everyday said when it came to his “backwards” thinking. 

Several years ago some co-workers played a practical joke on him by rebuilding what looked like a “normal” bicycle.  His friend Barney challenged Destin to ride the new bike.

What seemed like a simple task turned out to be impossible, because his brain had already been programed to ride a bike in the traditional fashion. 

What was the trick?  Barney had made only one change on the bike; when the handlebars turn to the left the bike goes right and vice versa.   Learning to ride would take intense focus and months of reprograming his way of thinking.  Finally eight months later Destin was able to ride the “backwards” bike. 

Technically it wasn’t backwards, but the opposite of what he had learned from the way a regular bicycle should function.  Even though Destin already knew the principles of riding a bicycle, he discovered knowledge isn’t always understanding, at least it wasn’t in this case.  

He had to change his “think” pattern in order to process the new information.  This is something that most of us don’t take to easily.  Generally people hold on to what they "know" is comfortable, not like my backwards dress. 

Knowledge Isn’t Always Understanding 

When I watched this video it reminded me of how many believers view the Bible based on what they had been taught in the past.  We have knowledge of God and His Word, but not nearly the understanding that we should have when it comes to the favor of God we experience. 

In an evening Bible reading God led me to Psalm 30; a passage that I’ve read many times as I’m sure you have.  While reading through the chapter I paused and actually began reading the verses backwards or in reverse (opposite) order.  Specific words pinged my brains way of thinking. 

How many times have we been taught about the blessings of God, but not His favor?  My husband said that he couldn’t think of one time he heard a message on it or ever learned about it until I mentioned it (about 20 plus years ago).  It’s not discussed much because it’s rarely understood.  

Let me prove my point. Finish this verse: 

“…Weeping may endure for a moment, but ….” 

You know it don’t you.  “Joy comes in the morning."  It’s from Psalm 30:5.   

Did you notice I have three dots at the beginning of the verse?  That meant that something preceded it.  Can you tell me what it is?  Let me fill you in on the entire verse from the King James Version: 

“For His (Jehovah’s) anger endureth but a moment;

 in His (God’s) favor is life: weeping may endure for a night,

 but joy cometh in the morning.” 

How many times have you read through that passage and skipped over the first part not realizing that it was the key to the second part of the verse?  You may have had knowledge of the scripture, but did you have understanding to be able to live in the promise?  

Looking Backwards

There are some intriguing facts about this particular psalm that I’d like to share with you.  Did you know that it is the only psalm that isn’t referenced anywhere else in the bible?  Another interesting point is that the word favor used in verse five is the only time it is linked back to the book of Genesis referring to all living creation.   

If we were to understand what this verse really means we have to dig deep into the original texts. In Psalm 30:5 the word “endure” means to lodge, live, dwell in favor.

The word favor in this particular verse translates in Hebrew and Greek as the same.  “In His favor” means in God’s pleasure, delight, goodwill, acceptance of us, His voluntary Will, desire to do. 

Continuing in the origin of the phrase “In His favor is life” we learn that life pertains to being alive, living (all things living – plants, animals, humans), flowing fresh with life, reviving like in springtime, lively, active.   

Gaining Wisdom to Know  

When we cry out to Jehovah (Father God), relief in sorrow is obtained and joy succeeds weeping. Not just for eternity, but in our lifetime here on earth. 

Moving backwards to Verse 4 the word Saints literally means “favored ones endued with grace (favor)”.  Favored children are given more grace to lodge in God’s eternal favor, because we were never created to die and neither was any of His creation.  Sin caused something to happen in us that God never desired, willed or ordained. 

There is no day of creation that God created death or sickness, so it isn’t in His favor to “put it on” people. It’s the opposite of favor and backward thinking says these things are His will.   

Barnes Commentary Notes states this about Psalm 30:5 on Favor:  

“In his favor is life - It is his nature to impart life. He spares life; He will give eternal life. It is, in other words, not His nature to inflict death; death is to be traced to something else. Death is not pleasing or gratifying to Him; it is pleasing and gratifying to Him to confer life.  

His favor secures life; death is an evidence of His displeasure - that is, death is caused by sin leading to His displeasure. If a man has the favor of God, he is sure of life; if not life in this world, yet life in the world to come.”

What most miss is the comparison between a moment and lifetime.  God’s anger against our sin is brief, momentary when we repent.  His favor has no bounds or time limits. It is continual in this lifetime and forever. 

Our happiness and joy is inside of God’s favor on His children and that’s why our weeping is for a short time. If it wasn’t then we would never cease shedding tears. 

So it seems when it comes to the knowledge, understanding and truth about God’s favor, something new has to be introduced in our traditional way of thinking.  We may have to go backward in some of our teaching and re-learn what being a Christian really means; that may not be as easy as it sounds. 

In the meantime learn to recognize the favor God has given you through life itself as a child of His.  God’s Daily Favor provides mercy (Isaiah 60:10), preservation (Psalm 86:2 Hebrew), security (Psalm 41:11) and a covering shield (Psalm 5:12).  

Until this clicks in our thinking we cannot truly understand the joy that comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). 

This Week’s Challenge:

Go Back Until Something Clicks 

At the end of the bike experiment Mr. Sandlin said he learned that truth is truth no matter what we think about it.  He makes a statement that we are programed with a bias and may not realize it.

The same goes for God’s Word. Whether we “get it” or not, the truth remains that we are favored. We just don’t know HOW favored we are by God. 

Our challenge this week will send us backward in our thinking and scripture reading when it comes to what we’ve learned about God’s favor from the beginning of our journey.  It may seem a little uncomfortable like wearing our clothes the wrong way round or riding a bike the opposite of how we’ve been taught, but until something clicks in our understanding life favor we have to keep at it. 

To start, read Psalm 30 for yourself and don’t get stuck on this being only about our life in Heaven.  The King was praising God for his renewed life through health, but dig deeper in your thinking since you now know what “favor” in this psalm really means.  It pertains to anything that has to do with your life “in” Him.  

When I was praying this psalm it related to our pets health at the time; they were “in” His favor from creation, that’s why God extended a covenant strictly to animals/creatures.  However these twelve verses include so much more than sorrow being exchanged for joy! I love that, but why only take part of the goodness, mercy and grace package when the whole promise belongs to all Saints (favored of God)? 

Be careful how you look at the Word of God when it comes to the way you’ve been taught, because at first you will be viewing it with an opinion whether you realize it or not.  Your mind will have to be reset on “clear” so you can look at it afresh. 

I know it may be hard, almost like learning to ride a bike again … but stick with it.  Stay on a passage until it clicks in your understanding to the point that it redirects the way you look at God’s Word for your journey with Jesus. Hopefully it won't take eight months, but only a short time like it did with Destin's son.

Where’s the inspirational song this week?  Every song on this passage left out the first part of the verse. There is no joy in the morning without God’s favor on the situation wouldn’t you agree?  Maybe someone will write one, however, until it clicks in their thinking I guess we'll just have to sing our own song of praise!

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, in God’s favor is life! 

“Favor has been My will from the very beginning.”

Jesus Christ

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

Note: The words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives. 

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

What’s New This Week: Click on link.

"The Essential Bible Companion to the Psalms: Key Insights for Reading Gods Word" book by Brian Webster & David Beach eBook format

Watch the backwards bike in action.

By the way, yes you can actually purchase the “Backwards Brain Bike.”  http://www.smartereveryday.com/store/backwards-bike

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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:  Gayle King Backwards Dress  Psalm 30:5  Relevant Cat  Lightbulb Idea
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The Essential Bible Companion to the Psalms: Key Insights for Reading God's Word by Brian Webster & David Beach, Until it Clicks, Daily Favor Blog, Favor of God, Favored1, Psalm 30, Inspiration, Christian Living, Backwards Bike, Smarter Everyday, Gayle King, Destin Sanders