Expect God to show you favor
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One summer, I was at a local park enjoying a series of performances at a gospel festival. I loved listening to the singers sing and the musicians play. I was also scheduled to sing that afternoon.
After a few hours, my turn came to take the stage. In the middle of the song, I noticed a woman running back and forth in front of the stage and crying. I felt the Holy Spirit urging me to walk over to her and pray for her. I was so glad I obeyed the Lord, because she accepted Jesus Christ into her heart that day!
After we prayed together, she asked to testify. When I gave her the microphone, she cried and told the crowd gathered on the grass that she had been bound by drugs and prostitution, but she felt like a brand new woman. Christ had set her free.
Daily Cup family, this remains one of my favorite ministry moments to this day. I remember how we all praised God together in the park over the salvation of her soul. It’s always a beautiful thing to see the delivering power of Christ on display, isn’t it? The same Jesus that delivered in Bible days yet delivers today.
In Luke 8:1-3, Jesus traveled to towns and villages preaching the good news of the kingdom of God accompanied by His disciples and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. A woman named Joanna was among the women who had been transformed by Christ’s power. Scripture tells us very little about Joanna who was the wife of Chuza, a manager of Herod’s household. But we do know that after Joanna experienced Jesus’ supernatural touch, she followed Him and supported His ministry.
Joanna’s name means “God is gracious” or “Jehovah has shown favor.” And she showed appreciation for that divine favor by being a faithful disciple. The Bible doesn’t get into the details of her specific struggles and issues. But whatever they were, Christ set her free. And whatever your struggles are, Christ will set you free too.
“Why expect the worst when you serve a good God who loves pouring out His favor upon you? Change your mindset. Expect favor. Surely, God will shower you with it!”
I’m not sure what your plight is or what you might be struggling with today, but God knows, and He cares. His favor and grace did not stop with Joanna or the woman I mentioned in the park. There is more than enough favor for you and me!
There have been times I was too sick to lift my head, too broken to pull myself together, too low to imagine how I would ever get up again. But each and every time, our faithful God lifted me up. And I believe He sent me to tell you today that He is going to lift you up. No matter how extreme, desperate, impossible, confusing, unstable, or uncertain times may be, your circumstances are never a challenge for God.
In fact, sometimes, He allows burdens just so He can lift them. He allows ailments just so He can heal them. He allows lack just so He can provide. He allows dark times just so He can shine the light of His grace. He allows unfavorable circumstances just so He can show you favor and prove that nothing can stop His power from working on your behalf.
Friend, expect God to show you favor. Expect Him to be gracious to you. Expect Him to loose every chain and break every stronghold. Expect Him to heal your body and turn your situation around. As I told you the other day, be bold and confident as you approach His throne of grace. Tell Him, Lord, I need You to set me free. And He will do it.
To remind you of this truth, I’m stirring John 8:36 NIV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
As you drink down the contents of your cup, keep on believing God for your freedom and start thanking Him in advance for showing you extraordinary favor.
Now, let’s pray.
God, thank You for assuring me that You see my needs and care about my struggles. Thank You for showing me supernatural favor and delivering me from every stronghold that would otherwise keep me bound. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you desire prayer, please allow me, along with my intercessory prayer team, to stand in faith with you for breakthrough. We would be so honored. We have seen God work over and over again. There is power in agreement. Click here to request prayer now.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
