Whenever I get the chance I like to take a walk with God. Literally. The following is what I learned during our stroll around the neighborhood…

God’s favor isn’t about our personal pleasure, it’s about His purpose. It’s when we truly understand this that we truly become useable by God. Don’t listen to the prosperity preachers. They have it all twisted. God’s favor is not about your financial gain, a new car, new clothes, worldly comforts. And, if that is your view and expectation, you will be sorely and eternally disappointed. Not that you won’t get some of those things, it’s just that if you don’t use them properly, it will be ALL you get. You will have received your reward. A small, temporary, fleeting reward in the grand scheme of things.

I’ll say it again. God’s favor isn’t about our personal pleasure, it’s about His purpose. Look at Mary. She found favor, but do you think it was easy to have her life interrupted just as she was about to marry the man of her dreams? Do you think it was easy for her to be shunned and made fun of as she tried to convince people that she was still a virgin while looking like she was carrying a beach ball under her frock? Thank God, she had the faith to accept God’s favor.

What about Noah? Do you think it was easy to build an ark big enough to carry two of all of God’s creations…without help? Do you think it was easy to know everyone thought he was crazy? Thank God, he had the faith to accept God’s favor.

What about Joseph? David? Moses? And Jesus? What about Jesus? Do you think it was easy to be betrayed; to suffer the cruelest most inhumane death possible? Thank God, he had the faith to accept God’s favor. And the list goes on and on. Thank God, they had the faith to accept God’s favor.

Lord, I ask that you help me to have the faith to accept your favor and the strength to do what needs to be done. I know without You, I am nothing. I also know that I need Your strength.  I need You. Thank you, Jesus, for being my Lord and Savior. And for choosing a plain old, everyday, run-of-the-mill girl like me to take part in your grand plan. I am favored, indeed. And I am honored. Help me to make you proud today and everyday. Amen and Ehmen!