1. Favor isn’t just getting the material possessions we want. We can have favor with God before things come or even if they never come at all. Even though Joseph went to the pit and then to prison, God's favor was with him and eventually brought him to his final destination, the palace. It can be tempting to think that because we didn’t get what we thought we should get, or even worse, bad things have happened, we aren’t favored, but that’s not how it works. Favor is available to all who trust in Him. Think back to a recent time when you faced what felt like undue hardships. Looking back, can you see where God's favor played a role? Knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently during the experience?
2. In Job 1: 8-10, we see that Satan had his eyes on Job for a while, but God was protecting him. Sure, it was nice having all those possessions, a big family, and lots of servants, but it was ultimately God’s protection that was most valuable. We know that Satan roams the earth looking for whom he can devour (1 Peter 5:8), and the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). So any time we’re not experiencing theft, death, and destruction, that’s evidence of the favor of God in our life. Can you share a recent example of the effectiveness of God’s favor in your life that doesn’t involve receiving a material blessing?
3. None of us are perfect. We’re all very flawed and have a tendency to disobey God and want to do our own thing. He knew all that before we were grafted into His family and accepted us anyway. His favor in our lives is permanent, so we can trust that He’s always with us and for us. Do you believe that? Can you share about a time that you exercised your trust that God has your back?
Comments