Tag Archives: Divine Favor

Advent

Favored and Chosen by God

Beloved, you are Favored and Chosen by God.

The message of God’s grace shines brightly in the words spoken to Mary by the angel Gabriel: “Hail, O favored one [endued with grace]! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28 AMP). This greeting reveals not only Mary’s unique role in God’s redemptive plan but also the vast and immeasurable favor of God that reaches down to all who respond to His call. Favored and Chosen by God, let your heart not only hear these words but receive them deeply, for they echo God’s invitation to you today.

Mary’s story shows us the profound truth that God’s favor is not for the mighty, the wealthy, or the perfect—it is for the humble, the willing, and the faithful. Mary, an unassuming young woman from an obscure town, was chosen not for her greatness but because her heart was yielded to God. As one commentator notes, “Grace finds us, not because we are worthy, but because He is good.” The favor of God transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, the lowly into the beloved.

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace [free, spontaneous, absolute favor and loving-kindness] with God” (Luke 1:30 AMP). These words echo through the centuries to you. Favored and Chosen by God, the same grace that called Mary to bear the Savior now calls you to receive Him. This grace is a gift, freely given by God, unearned and unmeasured. As the Apostle John declared, “For of His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:16 AMP).

Mary was troubled and confused at the angel’s greeting, much like we may feel when God calls us to step into His purposes. But her story reminds us that God’s call is never about our ability—it is about His sufficiency. He equips those He calls, and His presence is the guarantee of His promise. As another commentator observes, “The assurance, ‘The Lord is with you,’ is the foundation of courage, the source of peace, and the promise of power.”

Beloved, do not let fear or doubt hold you back. The favor of God rests on you, not because of who you are, but because of who He is. The same God who chose Mary now chooses you. He calls you to bear His life within you, to reflect His light in a dark world, and to walk in the fullness of His grace. Will you say yes to Him? Remember, you are Favored and Chosen by God.

Let the words of Mary’s surrender become the cry of your heart: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38 AMP). This is the response of faith, the surrender of a heart that trusts fully in the goodness of God.

Reflect deeply on this truth: God’s grace does not find you where you think you ought to be but where you truly are. Just as He stepped into Mary’s humble life, He steps into yours. Matthew Henry’s commentary reminds us, “Those that God designs for the greatest honors are commonly the most humble and least ambitious.” It is not your perfection He seeks, but your willingness to trust Him.

Let me urge you, dear one, to answer His call today. The Lord is with you, and His favor rests upon you. Will you receive this grace and allow Him to transform your life? Remember, you are Favored and Chosen by God.

Pray this with me:

Heavenly Father, Your grace is overwhelming and unearned, yet You offer it freely. I come to You with a heart that is willing but weak. Strengthen me by Your Spirit, and let Your favor rest upon me. I surrender to Your call and ask that You would use my life for Your glory. Lord, may it be done to me according to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now go, beloved, as one favored by God. Walk in His grace, trust in His promises, and surrender to His call. For His love has chosen you, and His Spirit will lead you into the fullness of His plan. Let your heart echo the Apostle John’s words: “We love, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19 AMP). Amen.

See Also

Truth

Blessed Called Healed and Whole

Beloved, receive this truth spoken over you by the Spirit of God. You are blessed beyond measure, chosen by the Father before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight (Ephesians 1:4). You are called with a holy calling, not according to your works but according to His own purpose and grace (2 Timothy 1:9). The Lord has summoned you by name; you are His (Isaiah 43:1).

You are loved with an everlasting love; therefore, He draws you with lovingkindness (Jeremiah 31:3). You are forgiven of all your sins and washed in the precious blood of Jesus (1 John 1:9; Ephesians 1:7). You are redeemed from the hand of the enemy and transferred into the kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13).

You are healed by the stripes of Jesus; He took up your infirmities and bore your diseases (Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:17). You are whole, complete in Him who is the head over every power and authority (Colossians 2:10). You are renewed day by day; though outwardly you may be wasting away, inwardly you are being renewed (2 Corinthians 4:16).

You are highly favored, for the Lord is with you (Luke 1:28). His favor surrounds you as with a shield (Psalm 5:12). You are anointed by the Holy One, and His anointing teaches you about all things (1 John 2:20, 27). You are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His witness to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

You are a new creation in Christ; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). You are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). You are sanctified and set apart for God’s holy purposes (1 Corinthians 6:11). You are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession (1 Peter 2:9).

You are the light of the world; a city set on a hill cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14). You are the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). You are an ambassador for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through you (2 Corinthians 5:20). You are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for you to do (Ephesians 2:10).

You are victorious, for everyone born of God overcomes the world (1 John 5:4). You are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you (Romans 8:37). You are an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony (Revelation 12:11). Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

You are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6). You are a citizen of heaven, and your life is hidden with Christ in God (Philippians 3:20; Colossians 3:3). Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God (1 Corinthians 6:19).

You are protected, for the Lord is your refuge and fortress (Psalm 91:2). No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against you in judgment you shall condemn (Isaiah 54:17). You are safe, for the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10).

You are not alone, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). You are guided, for the steps of a righteous person are ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37:23). You are heard, for the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry (Psalm 34:15).

You are strong in the Lord and in His mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). You are filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19). You are rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17).

You are free, for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). You are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir (Galatians 4:7). You are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24).

You are blessed in the city and blessed in the country (Deuteronomy 28:3). You are blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out (Deuteronomy 28:6). The Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).

May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may He turn His face toward you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24–26).

May His favor be upon you, and a thousand generations, and your family, and your children, and their children, and their children (Exodus 20:6; Psalm 103:17).

May His presence go before you, and behind you, and beside you, all around you, and within you; He is with you (Deuteronomy 31:8; Isaiah 52:12).

In the morning, in the evening, in your coming and your going, in your weeping and rejoicing, He is for you (Psalm 30:5; Romans 8:31).

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still (Exodus 14:14). Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29).

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:20–21).

Therefore, beloved, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:14).

Let’s come before him today with thanksgiving for everything He has done for us!

See Also

Humility

Boast in the Lord and Walk in Divine Favor

Embrace God’s Grace and Divine Favor

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, today, I call you to deeply reflect on the abundant grace that God has poured out upon us through our Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches us a powerful truth: our boasting should be in the Lord alone. This call to boast in the Lord is not simply a suggestion; it is a divine mandate for everyone who has experienced the transformative power of God’s grace. In a world that often glorifies self-promotion and personal achievements, the Bible redirects us to a different kind of boasting—one that honors God and magnifies His divine favor.

The Biblical Foundation of Divine Favor

From the beginning of the biblical narrative, we see the unmistakable mark of God’s favor upon the lives of His chosen people. Consider the story of Abel. His sacrifice was acceptable to God because of the favor upon him (Genesis 4:4). Then, there is Noah, who was preserved through the flood—not because of his own merit—but because he found favor in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8). Abraham, our father in faith, received the promise that through him, all the nations of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). These examples clearly show that divine favor is not something we can earn through human effort; it is a gift, a manifestation of God’s sovereign grace and mercy.

Boasting in the Lord: Paul’s Example

When we look at the life of the Apostle Paul, we see a man who fully understood the importance of boasting in the Lord. Paul, who was once a zealous persecutor of the church, became one of its most passionate apostles—not by his own strength—but by the grace and favor of God. He recognized that all his achievements and accolades were insignificant compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord. Paul’s life serves as a living testimony of what it means to boast in the Lord and to live under the shadow of divine favor. In his letters, Paul constantly exhorts the early church to glory not in themselves but in the cross of Christ, by which they were crucified to the world, and the world to them (Galatians 6:14).

A Call for All Believers

This call to boast in the Lord is not just for the apostles or the early church; it is for all believers. As we trace the theme of divine favor throughout the Scriptures, we see a consistent pattern. Joseph, for example, was favored by God even when he was sold into slavery and thrown into prison. Despite his difficult circumstances, Joseph prospered because the Lord was with him (Genesis 39:21). Similarly, Moses found favor in God’s sight and was chosen to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, despite his feelings of inadequacy (Exodus 33:12). These stories remind us that God’s favor is not dependent on our circumstances or abilities. Instead, it is His gift to those He has called according to His purpose.

Responding to God’s Favor: A Life of Praise

The psalmist beautifully captures this truth when he says, “In God we have boasted all the day long, and we will give thanks to Your name forever” (Psalm 44:8). This verse highlights that the proper response to God’s favor is a life filled with continual praise and thanksgiving. When we recognize that everything we have—our salvation, our blessings, and our very breath—is a result of God’s favor, our natural response should be to boast in Him alone.

Boasting in the Lord in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the theme of boasting in the Lord continues to unfold. Jesus, our perfect example, grew in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). His life was marked by humility, obedience, and a deep reliance on the Father. As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in this same favor. The early church experienced tremendous growth and impact, not because of their strategies or plans, but because “the hand of the Lord was with them” (Acts 11:21). This divine favor was evident in their preaching, their fellowship, and their witness to the world.

How to Boast in the Lord Today

So, what does it mean for us today to boast in the Lord and walk in His favor? First, we must recognize that everything we are and everything we have is a gift from God. Our talents, opportunities, and successes all result from His favor. Therefore, our boasting should not be in our achievements or status, but in the Lord, who makes all things possible.

Living a Life That Honors God

Walking in divine favor means living a life that honors God. The Scriptures are clear that God’s favor rests upon those who seek Him, walk in His ways, and live in obedience to His Word. Proverbs 3:4 tells us, “So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.” This favor is not just for our benefit; it is meant to glorify God and draw others to Him.

Embrace Humility in Boasting

Finally, boasting in the Lord and walking in His favor requires a heart of humility. The Apostle Paul reminds us that it is by grace we have been saved, through faith—and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). We have no grounds for pride or self-glory. Our only boast is in the Lord, who has done great things for us.

A Call to Action and Prayer

As we reflect on these truths, I call you, dear brothers and sisters, to live lives that boast in the Lord. Let your lives be a testimony of His grace and favor. In a world that values self-promotion and personal glory, let us be a people who point to Jesus as the source of all that is good in our lives. Remember that our boasting is not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, who works in us to will and to act according to God’s good purpose (Philippians 2:13).

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging that every good and perfect gift comes from You. We thank You for the divine favor that You have lavished upon us, not because of our righteousness, but because of Your great love and mercy. Teach us, Lord, to boast only in You, to glory only in the cross of Christ. May our lives be a reflection of Your grace, a testament to the world of Your favor.

Father, we ask that You strengthen us to walk in the path You have set before us, filled with Your Spirit, living under the shadow of Your wings. Let our every word, thought, and action declare Your glory. And as we go forth, may we always remember that it is not by our might, nor by our power, but by Your Spirit that we live and move and have our being.

We pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Amen.

Referenced Scriptures:

  1. Genesis 4:4 – “And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering.” (NIV)
  2. Genesis 6:8 – “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” (NIV)
  3. Genesis 12:3 – “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (NIV)
  4. Genesis 39:21 – “The Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.” (NIV)
  5. Exodus 33:12 – “Moses said to the Lord, ‘You have been telling me, “Lead these people,” but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, “I know you by name and you have found favor with me.”‘” (NIV)
  6. Galatians 6:14 – “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (ESV)
  7. Psalm 44:8 – “In God we have boasted all day long, and we will give thanks to Your name forever.” (NASB)
  8. Luke 2:52 – “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” (ESV)
  9. Acts 11:21 – “The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.” (NIV)
  10. Proverbs 3:4 – “So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.” (NASB)
  11. Ephesians 2:8 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (NIV)
  12. Philippians 2:13 – “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (NIV)

These verses provide a solid foundation for understanding the profound themes of divine favor and boasting in the Lord. Each scripture reflects the rich tapestry of God’s grace throughout history and how His favor continues to manifest in the lives of those who trust in Him.