Seeing God’s Favor in Your Life

God’s favor does not give you a “perfect” life

Scripture:

“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry.” Psalm 34:15 (NIV)

You might be surprised to learn that those whom God favors sometimes experience pain and suffering. We might not understand it, but God shows His favor and His love in many different ways. Let’s see what His favor can look like in your life.

Favor Does Not Prevent Suffering
Jesus instructed His followers, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth” (Matthew 6:19), and the Bible instructs God’s people, “if your wealth increases, don’t make it the center of your life” (Psalm 62:10). Israel’s King David (a hero of the Old Testament) suffered physical hardship when he was persecuted by Saul. God also allowed physical pain to bother the Apostle Paul, who received divine revelation and wrote many books in the New Testament.

Just like Paul’s physical pain, God does not always fix every hardship in your life. 

Even if you pray, He may choose to use your weakness so His glory and strength can be seen by all of the people around you. (2 Corinthians 12:9, John 9:3).

Focus on Giving God Glory
The Old Testament shows us that God often used provision to help His people understand Him more: “the Lord your God has poured down for you abundant rain. The threshing floors shall be full of grain; the vats shall overflow with wine and oil” (Joel 2:23-24). The New Testament lets us know that “every good and perfect gift is from the Father” (James 1:17).

Since God works “for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28), He can choose to give you with resources or health for His purpose. However, you have to remember that these are always meant to bring Him glory. Our focus should not be on our comfort or gaining material things. If we are focused on God, we can use whatever He gives us, whether it’s health, material things or physical weakness, to give Him glory.

Seek God First
God will provide everything we need to accomplish His will. You may be surprised to learn that you may not need perfect health or lots of wealth to do His will. Jesus didn’t even have a place to lay his head (Luke 9:58), but He accomplished God’s perfect will. Be sure to “seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33). Remember, God’s favor does not mean all your expectations will be met. 
His favor will help you give Him glory in good and bad situations.

Do you think God’s favor is always seen through material things?