Windows of the Soul

God's Favor

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (Luke 2:52)

Favor: What exactly is it?

An attitude of approval or liking. An act of kindness beyond what is due or usual. To feel or show preference. To oblige, honor, gratify, humor, indulge. To treat gently. To resemble another.

So Jesus grew in wisdom (like God) and in stature (like man). And in favor with God and men. Jesus, fully God and fully man grew in favor with both.

If we read the entire chapter of Luke 2, we see that there were many ups and downs in Jesus’ life, and in the lives of his family. While it all started with Mary’s finding favor with God, there were difficulties from the start, with the pregnancy before marriage. Both his mother and earthly father Joseph, had to travel for the census, and where Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable. Then favor reigned when the angels announced Jesus’ birth. The honor of visits from shepherds and gifts from Kings. The amazing blessing and words of Simeon, who lived to see the salvation that [God] prepared in the presence of all peoples  Jesus, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Israel (v. 25-32). And the difficulty of seeking safety in Egypt.

Later, at age 12, Jesus stayed behind the annual trek to Jerusalem for the Passover feast, and instead of returning to Nazareth with his relatives, his parents found him three days later in the Temple with teachers, listening and asking questions. While his parents were distressed, all who heard him in the Temple were amazed.

Ups and downs. Yet Jesus willingly submitted to his parents, and increased in wisdom, stature and in favor.

Wonder if there are some lessons in here for us?

We stand in favor with God, simply through our faith in Jesus Christ. We are blessed and highly favored. We, too, can grow in wisdom as we seek God in His Word and as we ask Him for wisdom. We all have ups and downs in this life, but in the down times we can submit to God and trust that He will bring us through.

Keep God’s commandments, remain steadfast in love and faithfulness, so you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3: 1-5)

Mission: Possible

For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37)

We have all heard it said, “With man it is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.”

Can you think of a time when you gave your situation over to God? Go ahead, take a minute and try to think of an example from your life.  Can you think of one?  

Usually it is only after we have completely exhausted our minds, our hearts, our energy, our resources, our very selves trying to make things work.  That is when we finally turn it over to God.  

Or maybe you don't bother to turn things over to God.  Many of us get to the point with a problem, set of circumstances or exhaustion in our own efforts and just simply stop. We give up. We let it go, die, fall apart, or trash it. 

Well, how about we give it up to God? Try it!  How about we ask Him how the thing needs to be resolved, fixed, changed, replaced, stopped, healed, or left alone?

God has a bigger and better picture in mind. God can stop, start, change or maintain our circumstances or situations to suit His purposes. He can perform miracles. He can say “Yes!” or “No!” and will do so according to His will and His purposes.

We often cry uncle with our own efforts and say, “It’s impossible”. Well, how about deconstructing the word ‘impossible’, and say instead, ‘I’m possible’? You see, there may be variations, specifics, places, times, alterations, changes, or even just tweaks to what we are trying to do, that only God can do. In his infinite wisdom He can and will do for us, according to His will.

So next time you think there is no way out, stop thinking or even saying it is impossible. Stop and ask God, “Lord, in my own thinking and efforts, I do not see how to: do this thing, change this circumstance, make this happen, pay this bill, find my way, get this done, make ends meet, pray in this situation, respond to this event, heal this broken heart or body. I need your wisdom. Lord, what is it I should do?”  

Then wait and listen for God’s response. His wisdom, His plan, His ideas. When you hear God's voice (in your heart, your being, you sense what He is saying) then follow His plan, do as He says to do. 

He can make the impossible very possible, if we simply ask, listen and obey. Do things God’s way, and He will make a way according to His will and purpose for your life, and mine.  Selah.