Favor prepares our hearts for service

“You are highly favored.  The Lord is with you,” were the first words spoken to Mary by the angel, Gabriel.  However, in the very next verse Mary is given an awesome task.  She is to birth the Son of God!  Although responsibility most always follows favor; favor prepares our hearts for service.  I John 4:14 says,” We love Him because He first loved us.” 

In Genesis 6:8 we read that Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. Then in verses 13-16 Noah is commissioned to build an ark for the saving of his family.  I love what is says in verse 22, “Noah did everything just as God commanded him to.”  Walking in favor creates a natural desire to please or serve.

In chapters 37, 39, and 41 of Genesis we read where Joseph finds favor with four main characters in his life; his dad, his master, his captor, and his king.  Each time he was given a specific task or responsibility.  Each time Joseph serves wholeheartedly and was successful.  It is not hard to serve when it follows favor.

Luke 1:30 – 33

And the angel said unto her, “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shall conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shall   call his name Jesus.  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: and He     shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end. 

WOW! What an assignment.  Never in her wildest dreams could she have thought of this; to be the mother of the long awaited Messiah.  Later in the chapter Mary speaks of God being mindful of her humble state.  Mary knew she had done nothing to earn or deserve this privilege.  It was strictly the favor of God.

Ephesians 4:11 says:

It was God who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be  evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service

We do not all have the same assignment.   We do, however, all have an assignment and the requirement is obedience.  I have been privileged to serve the Lord for 40 plus years primarily through the role of teaching. I taught school for 15 years and retired in May of this year.  Truly the Lord has been mindful of my humble state.

My dad was the main person to teach me about favor.  I always knew he loved me and did what was in my best interest which included more than a few spankings.  However, when we were in California my twelfth year I did not have my daddy.  Everyday I played and seemed like a child without a worry or fear.  But at night the sorrow swept over me.  I lay very still and quiet until everyone was asleep so that I would not upset anyone.  Then I cried and prayed.  My prayer was, “God, I want my Daddy!”  I cried until there were no more tears.  When I got to the end of my tears somehow I knew that Jesus loved me and was with me.  Then I was able to go to sleep and face another day.  The next night would be the same.  We were in California for about two months.  I do not know if I had this experience every night but it was repeated many times.  I did not know the significance of this event at twelve.  Looking back I clearly see the favor of God resting upon me.  I never had the privilege of living in the house with my precious dad again, but my heavenly Father was always present protecting me and providing for me.  When I was not aware of His presence, He was there.  When I was disobedient, He was there.  When I was fearful, He was there.  He promised to never leave me nor forsake me.

In Junior High some of my teachers were talking about me one day at recess.  I overheard them say, “That poor little thing.  She doesn’t stand a chance.  What will become of her?”  I knew life was hard and not always lived right, but I had something they did not know about.  I knew God loved me and was with me.

I wanted to please my daddy when I was a little girl.  As an adult my goal is to please my heavenly Father.  Today I want to go where He leads, do what He commissions, and share what He whispers in my heart.

Many Blessings,

Virginia

When I was growing up my mother would always quote to me "to whom much is given, much is required".  While there were plenty of times I really didn't want to hear it!  I am so grateful for having been given much favor. It is encouraging to be reminded that knowing God's favor enables us to meet our responsiblities of service.

Thanks again, Mom & thanks again each of you for listening as mother shares her heart with us.

Ronda