The Supernatural - Favor
Unveiling the Supernatural Power of God's Favor
In a world that often seems mundane and predictable, where conformity and routine are the norms, there's a yearning for something more, something beyond the ordinary. We're talking about different aspects of the supernatural. Just as God is a supernatural God, His church ought to be a supernatural church. This means breaking away from the business-as-usual mentality. While there are templates and traditions that guide how we do church, we must never limit the supernatural power of God.
The Power of God's Favor
As a pastor, one of the most frequently uttered prayers is for God to grant favor with the people. Favor is something sought after and cherished. But what exactly is favor? It's like this inexplicable force that makes people like you without knowing why. They want to be around you, partner with you, and support you, driven by an irresistible attraction. Favor is a divine grace that transcends mere human charm or charisma.
The beauty of favor is that it eliminates the need for political maneuvering or influence peddling. When you carry the favor of God, people like you not for who you are but because they sense the divine presence within you. You don't have to play politics; you can simply let God be God.
Psalms 44
How Does God’s Favor Operate In Our Lives?
A Biblical Glimpse of Favor
To truly understand the supernatural essence of favor, Psalm 44 provides us with a vivid depiction of how favor operates in our lives. This verse shows that Israel did not conquer their land through their own might or strength but because of God's favor. They supernaturally won because they were God's favored people. This victory was a testimony to the unparalleled power of divine favor.
Now, here's the pivotal question: Do believers have the right to expect their lives to differ from unbelievers? The emphatic answer is yes, not because we consider ourselves superior but because we are recipients of God's favor. Our lives are destined to be distinct from the world's as we believe in and seek the favor of God.
Favor Beyond the Spiritual Realm
Favor isn't limited to the spiritual domain alone. It permeates every aspect of our lives, from our health to our relationships, from our finances to the abundant blessings we receive. It's a holistic experience that touches every facet of our existence. Favor isn't just a passive gift; it's a force that propels us forward. We don't have to toil excessively because God's favor is upon us. It's not about working harder; it's about trusting in the favor that opens doors no amount of effort can.
The Power of Agreement: Amen!
During our Supernatural Wednesday services, you often hear enthusiastic “Amens!. These aren't mere words of encouragement; they're declarations of faith. When you say “Amen,” you're telling God that you want what you just heard in your own life. It's an act of agreement, a way of inviting God to work supernaturally in your circumstances.
The Favor That Grows
Jesus, the embodiment of divine favor, provides us with a remarkable example in Luke 2:52. He increased in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man. Just as Jesus grew in favor, so can we. Proverbs 22:1 reaffirms that the favor of God is superior to silver and gold, surpassing popularity, wealth, and influence. The favor of God is the ultimate key to open doors in our lives.
Defining Favor
Let's talk about what favor truly means. It signifies receiving special privileges and advantages. Think back to your school days – were you ever the teacher's pet? Favor is comparable to being the teacher's pet, receiving perks and opportunities others might not. Additionally, favor is God's gift to those who obey Him. Favor flows as we align with God's plan.
You are God's Favorite Child
Don't let an inferiority complex chip away at your confidence. God's children are favored, beloved, and the apple of His eye. While the world may try to diminish your worth, remember that you are God's favorite, and nothing can stop His favor from flowing into your life.
Renewing Your Mind to Favor
To experience the fullness of God's favor, you need to renew your mind. Don't let a poor self-image hold you back. Embrace the truth that the favor of God is upon your life. When you declare, "The favor of God is on my life," a supernatural flow is unleashed, shaping your reality.
Words as Elevators
Proverbs 18 reminds us that the power of life and death lies in the words we speak. Your words are like elevators, either lifting you up or bringing you down. David's declaration in Psalm 23 serves as a powerful example. He proclaimed that goodness and mercy would follow him all the days of his life. Goodness, giving what we don't deserve, and mercy, sparing us from what we do deserve, are the hallmarks of God's favor.
Expecting Favor
God can elevate you from the lowest pits to the highest peaks in an instant. Philippians 2:5 urges us to have the same attitude as Christ Jesus. Expect favor, believe in it, and embrace it. Your vocabulary and attitude should reflect your faith in God's supernatural favor.
Sabotaging God's Favor
While God's favor is freely given, we can unknowingly sabotage it. There are ways you can inadvertently hinder the favor of God in your life: One way is by failing to keep your word. When you don't honor your commitments and promises, people may hesitate to bless you, as they can't rely on your word. Keep your word and be a person of integrity.
Praise Is A Powerful Tool
The Power of Praise
Praise is a powerful tool that can help you unlock God's favor. It's not about singing hymns or reciting verses mechanically, but about genuinely expressing your gratitude and adoration for the Creator. When you praise God with a sincere heart, you open up a channel for His blessings to flow into your life.
Amid challenges and difficulties, it's easy to focus on your problems and forget to praise God. But remember, the act of praise shifts your focus from your circumstances to the One who holds the solutions. It's an acknowledgment that God is in control and that He deserves all honor and glory.
When you praise God, you invite His presence into your situation. And where God's presence is, His favor abounds. So, make praise a regular part of your life, not just in church but in your daily routine. Start and end your day with gratitude and worship and watch how God's favor begins to manifest.
The Power of Presence
Another essential aspect of maintaining God's favor is the power of His presence. God desires to be in communion with you daily. He longs for a deep, personal relationship with His children. It's in His presence that you find guidance, peace, and strength.
In the Bible, we read about Moses, who understood the significance of God's presence. He told God that he wouldn't move forward unless God's presence went with him (Exodus 33:15). Moses recognized that without God's presence, he couldn't lead the Israelites effectively.
Likewise, you need to seek God's presence continually. Spend time in prayer, meditation, and reading His Word. Develop a habit of listening to His voice and seeking His guidance. As you do this, you'll experience the favor of God accompanying you in every aspect of your life.
God's presence also provides comfort in times of trouble. When you face challenges, His presence brings reassurance and peace that surpasses understanding. It's a reminder that you're not alone and that God is working behind the scenes to turn your situation around for good.
Prayer Is Effective
Prayer Is About Aligning Your Desires With God’s Plan
The Power of Prayer
Prayer is a direct line of communication with God. It's your way of partnering with Him to bring about His will on the Earth. The Bible tells us that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16). When you pray according to God's will, you release His favor into your life.
Prayer isn't just about asking for things; it's about aligning your desires with God's plan. It's a way of surrendering your will to His. When you pray, you invite God to intervene in your circumstances. You acknowledge your need for His wisdom, guidance, and assistance.
Prayer is an expression of faith. It's believing that God is not only able but willing to act on your behalf. When you approach Him with a heart full of faith, you activate His favor in your life. Remember, God may not always work on your timetable, but He's always working for your good.
Maintaining the favor of God in your life requires a combination of factors. It involves keeping your word, maintaining a positive attitude, and sowing seeds of kindness and loyalty. Additionally, you should cultivate the power of praise, seek God's presence, and engage in fervent prayer.
God's favor is not something to be taken lightly. It's a precious gift that can transform your life in remarkable ways. When you align your actions and attitudes with His principles, you position yourself to receive His abundant favor. So, make a conscious effort to implement these principles into your life, and watch as God's favor becomes a constant presence in your journey.