Have you ever had something amazing happen in your life that left you speechless? Like you knew you weren't that bold, yet you somehow received confidence? Maybe you weren't that qualified, yet you got the job or the promotion,
Somehow doors are opening that you've never saw coming and you're hit with a blessing that leaves you thinking "How did this happen...and for me?"
Well I'll let you in on a lil secret, that's the average life of a Child of God! See, I don't believe in luck or coincidences, as long as I'm walking with God, any blessing that comes my way is what I like to call a "Divine Encounter": A prearranged/scheduled blessing from the Lord.
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory:
no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly"
(Psalm 84:11)
...God's Greatest Pleasure...
God truly delights in rewarding His children. It is His Joy to bless us, He doesn't wish to withhold any good thing from us, but that's "good" according to His standards of course (so sorry your prayers about winning the lottery may not make it through lol).
"For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory"
(Psalm 149:4)
A good father knows when His child is most responsible, mature, and the position of their heart. God is always ahead of us, ordering our steps before we even know the plan! So it may seem like a shock to you that you achieved something that you didn’t seem qualified for, but God see's you as qualified! He says, "There is my Son, My Daughter, they are willing & ready... I'll equip them with whatever they need." As long as He dwells within you, you are more than capable and can do all things through Him!
"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your
Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
(Matthew 7:11)
...Favor Begins Where Your Will Ends...
Obtaining God's favor starts with a heart of surrender. You have to get to a place of obedience, where you become more concerned about God's agenda than your own. We often forget that we are just a small piece of God's puzzle, our lives are not just about us.
This doesn’t mean your less important to God, in fact it means the exact opposite. Don't you need all the pieces to complete a puzzle?, God value's you! You just have to trust that your purpose is connected to someone or something bigger than you! That's why your obedience is so important, without you following God's path your favor and the blessings of others can be delayed.
We are on a mission to bring Heaven to Earth! Seems impossible in your own strength but not when you're walking with God. Ultimately, our goal should be to help build His Kingdom! #God'sPlan
"For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield"
(Psalm 5:12)
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
(Colossians 3:2)
Letting go of your agenda doesn’t necessarily mean that your desires are not aligned with God's will. Sometimes its simply the timing or the position of your heart, ask yourself "Am I seeking to build my own "kingdom" or God's Kingdom? Obedience is another level of trust in your relationship with God. Surrender says "Lord, I truly desire these things, but I desire you more and I trust that you know best and I'll serve you regardless of if I receive these things."
"Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful"
(Proverbs 16:20)
"For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield"
(Psalm 5:12)
...Positioning Yourself to Receive Favor...
Be Steadfast! The more you seek Him and Obey Him, the more you'll receive His wisdom and Instruction, which puts you in position to be chosen! God is always willing to prepare you for your blessing, but you have to be willing to walk blindly with Him. But if you STAY Ready you'll always BE Ready to be used by Him.
"If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and
you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work."
(2 Timothy 2:21)
It's important to note that it's not an overnight process. You'll have moments that feel like set-backs or you may even feel forgotten, but stay diligent trusting that God will elevate you in due season.
"Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass."
(Psalm 37:3-7)
#TRUST: Regardless of what the circumstances look like
#DELIGHT: Refresh your mind with God's promises and His Truth from His Word regularly
#COMMIT: Be adamant, diligent, & intentional in your relationship with God &
the responsibilities He's entrusted you with.
#REST: Be confident that your Father takes Joy in Rewarding you & Honors your obedience
….Recognizing & Receiving Favor....
Everyone has experienced God's Favor, He grants us forgiveness 100's of times daily (especially me for my attitude lol ) & provides for us even when we don't choose to make wise decisions. But there are direct encounters of God's Favor that are personally designed for His Children.
...My Favor Report!!..
A department director randomly asked if I would be interested in applying for a position with her team a couple months ago (fyi I've been here just shy of 6 months at this time), I agreed, interviewed, but based on their current needs, the team felt I wasn't suited for that position BUT they felt I'd be a great fit for another one they recently created....If you want to know how the story ends, visit my "Favor/Praise Report'" post!
you can find it on the 'Home Page or under "Testimonies" tab
Summary:
Favor is something God delights in granting His children. He has promised a life of abundance and blessings,
and often in ways and at times you least expect!
Suggested Bible Stories About Favor:
*The Book of Ester
*The Book of Nehemiah
*Seek out this Bomb sermon about Favor from Pastor Montel below. I heard
this the same week my praise report happened! #Confirmation!!!
Grace & Peace Be With You,
Kaneisha