For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8 NKJV)

What is Favor?

Favor is defined as an act of kindness, support, or an approval that is granted beyond what is expected or even deserved. God granted to us the most precious gift we could ever receive – the gift of salvation.

The Favor of God Will Save You.

“Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1 NKJV).

John: 3:16 and 1 John 3:16 tell us that God so loved mankind that He gave the ultimate gift – His life,  so that whoever chooses to believe in Him (surrendering their lives to Him) would in exchange receive the gift of eternal life. What an incredible gift exchange! We who were dead in trespasses and sins and have obeyed the eternal life message of salvation found in the Bible (read Acts 2:38) can now have peace with God and look forward to everlasting life with Him! 

The Favor of God will Provide for You.

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 1:2 NKJV)

It is God’s will that we prosper and be in good health.   When Jesus taught the disciples to pray, he told them to say, “Give us this day our daily bread.” As our Heavenly Father, He provides for our daily needs. The same way He provides for the sparrow.  Provision is made for our food, shelter and clothing as we work daily.  We need not worry or fret because our Heavenly Father neither slumbers nor sleeps.

So, what then, is the purpose of my life here on the earth? James 4:14 describes my life as a vapour, here today, and gone tomorrow. Is that all there is to my life? As a woman pursuing God, I believe the answer is a resounding “no!” My labor of love to my family, my friends, my community, and my local church does not go unnoticed by God. He has bestowed upon us gifts and talents to be used in His kingdom.  I am fearfully, and wonderfully created by Him, and my life has purpose!  

The Favour of God Will Position You.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV)

If God is for you, who then can be against you and the purpose of God in your life (Romans 8:31)? When we desire to live Godly in this present world, we will suffer persecution and disappointments, but God has promised to take care of us.  He did it for the three Hebrew boys who were thrown in the fiery furnace and He will do the same for us (read Daniel 3). Our faith will be tried with fiery trials, but our God will be there with us in the fire!  

God remembers when others forget. He will not forget your labor of love concerning His work, the church, and His people.  He creates events and circumstances where you are remembered.

How timely was the insomnia that King Ahasuerus experienced in the book of Esther (Esther 6:1)? As you read the account of Mordecai and Esther, notice the timely intervention by God proved to be a divine setup of events that positioned Esther for the purpose she was called and chosen for by God.

Things will sometimes get worse before they get better. It seems the wind is blowing, the whirlwind is gaining momentum, life is a mess! But do not despair, the master of the wind is in the ship, and He will get up and say, “Peace be still” (Mark 4:39).  We have a choice to make in believing that the hand of God is in our circumstances, or we can see it as merely coincidence.

The power of life and death is in our tongue.  I say choose life! We can choose to have a Godly, and teachable spirit of humility as women of God, despite our life’s circumstances, or we can choose to have a hateful complaining spirit, because of our life’s circumstances.

Esther’s humility elevated her to position of queen.  She won the “favor” of those around her. She became the change she wanted to see and had great influence in saving herself and her people. This too can be how our story ends if we choose life over death.  We are granted favor as we accept unfair persecution and the disappointments that often follow. We can choose to lean on the Lord, believing that all things work together for good to them that love Him and are called by Him (Romans 8:28).

Is it possible that God put us in a difficult position for such a time as this?  Arise and step out in faith. Take the risk and say, “I was brought to the kingdom for such a time as this. I will be used as a vessel for untold blessings for my family, my local church, and my community!”

By Marilyn McGreer

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