God's Favor

 

 

Today in church we heard an awesome message about "God's Favor". 

This got me to thinking about the favor that we have experienced in our lives. 

Even before I was saved I was blessed to experience his favor.  I can think of five serious accidents I was in, any one of which could have been fatal. But God's favor spared me.  These are stories for another time. God shows his favor in many ways. 
This story is about financial favor.   
Years ago Joan and I became faithful in paying our tithes.  We didn't do this for financial gain, we did it to honor God and as an act of worship.   Since we have adhered to the principal of tithing we have never had to experience worrying about our finances.  God is a God of more than enough.  Twelve years ago we were at a Sunday morning service, when our Pastor was led to preach about sowing seed.  In the middle of the sermon he opened up the alter for anyone who wanted to plant financial seed.  Knowing our Pastor like we do, we knew it was a true opportunity to sow into God's Kingdom.  Pastor kept preaching but said that if you were led to sow to just drop your money at the alter.  He was not going to take up another offering.  Wanting to seize this opportunity I opened my wallet.  It was at that time I heard God say, "give everything you have with you."  While looking for some bills to sow I realized I had quit a bit of money with me.  Again I heard, "give it all." Knowing how good God is I emptied my wallet and headed to the alter.  While the money was still fluttering to the ground, God said, "You have just sealed your financial future."   Shortly after this (2008) the country experienced a major recession.  Although some people were experiencing financial panic we were spared.  I took it that this is what God meant when He said, "You have just sealed your financial future."  Fast forward to 2016 and early retirement was looking like a possibility.  Being good stewards of our finances we researched this prospect.  It was then that God reminded me of what He spoke years earlier before my money hit the ground ... that our financial future was sealed.  His favor was not for a single event but for our life time.  We have been retired for years and enjoy every minute of it.    There have been at least 4 opportunities in the past where God has asked us to sow all and we have never hesitated to do so.  If God has asked you for your time, talent or treasure do not be afraid.  For He is faithful. 
~ Randy

 

 

Psalm 5:12
Lord, how wonderfully you bless the righteous.  Your favor wraps around each one and covers them under your canopy of kindness and joy. 
(TPT)

1 Corinthians 1:9

God is forever faithful and can be trusted to do this in you, for he has invited you to co-share the life of his Son, Jesus, the Anointed One, our King!
(TPT)