The Benefits of Walking in God's Favor
By Andrea Merrell
I often tell people
that one single word from God can change the entire course of your life.
Another writer says that one moment of God’s favor will do more for you than a
lifetime of striving. There are many benefits to walking in God's favor.
Are you striving
in your writing career? According to Merriam Webster Online, striving can mean
“devoting serious effort or energy” … or “to struggle in opposition.”
Maybe you feel
there’s never enough time. Maybe there are too many obstacles standing in your
way. Or perhaps you feel invisible, discouraged by rejection and missed
opportunities.
We hear it said
that when God closes a door, He will open another one … or even a window. Too
many times, we stand at that closed door and try to open it with a chainsaw or
stick of dynamite.
It’s also said
that when God opens a door, no man can close it. We see proof of that in
Revelation 3:8: Now see what I’ve done. I’ve opened a door before you
that no one can slam shut
(MSG). The key for us is being in tune with
Him, following His lead, and walking boldly and confidently through the doors
He opens. It all boils down to attitude and expectations. What are you
expecting God to do? Or maybe you’re not expecting anything from Him, thinking
you have to succeed all on your own.
Another thing I tell writers is
to believe God for divine appointments, divine connections, and divine favor.
When we do, we are putting the proverbial ball squarely back in God’s court.
And He never loses.
Listen to what pastor and author
Bob Gass has to say: "As you walk in
God’s favor, doors of opportunity open, the right people are drawn to you, and
you discover ideas, strategies, and resources in the most unexpected places.
Like changing the direction of a moving stream, God can change people’s hearts
and give you favor with those who might otherwise reject or overlook you."
The Bible tells us God is not a
“respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34 KJV). In other words, God does not play
favorites. What He does for one, He is ready and willing to do for all. That’s
not to say our gifts, talents, abilities, calling, purpose, and destiny are all
the same. What it does mean is that His Word is true, and He responds to those
who believe and act on it—in faith.
Just look at the story of Ruth.
She went from being a poor widow to becoming the wife of a wealthy nobleman. Esther
transitioned from an unknown Jewish girl to a queen and saved her people from
annihilation. There are many other stories in the Bible where God’s favor rested
upon people who trusted in Him.
If you feel invisible or
insignificant, know that God sees you right where you are. He is intimately
acquainted with you and has a wonderful plan and purpose for your life. Change
your thinking and your expectations. God desires to bless you—and your
writing—in ways (and through other people) that you can’t even imagine.
Begin each day thanking God for
opening the right doors of opportunity for you. And pray for favor. Several
years ago, I heard a pastor say “Lord, I thank you that I am surrounded with
favor like a hedge, like a shield, like a wall of fire.” That’s what I call
walking in the favor and blessings of God.
What about you? Have you
experienced God’s favor in your writing? We would love to hear your story.
(Photos courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/Stuart Miles/phanlop88.)
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