You are highly favored. I know – it’s 2022 and hardly anything feels like favor. It’s as if the world continues to gravitate into darkness by the day, and now we all need to be in survival mode – right? But that’s exactly where I need you to catch yourself.
For over two years now, it has looked like there is no advantage in being a Christian. If we are honest, Christians were hit by the pressures of the world the same way as everyone else – if not harder. It feels and looks like there is no advantage to knowing Christ, yet there should be. So, where is the problem? Is it that we waver in our belief, or is it that Jesus no longer moves the same way He did in the past?
First of all, it cannot be on Jesus! The Bible says He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Since that is the case, does it then mean that Christians no longer believe in the power of God? I also don’t think so – at least not all Christians.
What I think, however, is that we have lost touch with the reality of being highly favored. We have accepted a life that is less than, simply because we cannot seem to comprehend what favor is or should look like in life.
All this came about when I read a passage in the book of Isaiah.
“Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do, and don’t live in dread of what frightens them.”
– Isaiah 8:12
If you are diligent with that scripture, then you cannot be fearful of the same things that everyone else is afraid of. You are exempt from certain situations because you carry favor. Accepting fear, therefore, is a bold rejection of favor.
Dark as the world has become, are you not light? (Matthew 5:14). So then, why are you complaining when everyone else is? Why are you afraid of what frightens everyone else? Do you see how it makes us look like we lack an advantage, yet God has already dispensed it for us?
Accepting favor is a tall order if you haven’t had an easy life. But if you are truly in Christ, His impact on your life must be evident. The Bible actually says that favor surrounds us as with a shield. If you know anything about shields, you understand that it exempts you from certain dangers. It means you should start expecting people to treat you favorably, that they gain confidence in your ability to bring hope and light. It means that gas prices, food shortages, and a tough economic era makes you more of a giver than a borrower – that as times get tougher, you get that much more excited to be a kingdom financer.
So, I ask you again – why are you fearful as one who is not highly favored? If your countenance and demeanor are not enough to make people have hope, have you really represented Jesus? Think about that the next time you feel like complaining about gas prices or the economic system. While it is not a pass to condone wickedness, it is a higher call to embrace favor by being light through your talk and action. You are highly favored – accept it! Expect it!
