FAVORED
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!’” Luke 1:28, ESV
Theme: You are favored. God is with you. And He loves you tremendously.
DESERVING IT
Are you one of those folks who always feels entitled to more or better? Or are you one of those people who just feel like they don’t deserve the breaks that come their way? Maybe it’s a generational thing, but I don’t think so. Some people just have a hard time believing something good is going to happen. Or worse, they believe they do not deserve any good thing that comes their way.
Frankly, we don’t deserve it. None of us meet the standard of holiness that God demands. None of us can keep our minds on peace, kindness, or patience, to say the least. None of us always obey God, always love His Word, and always love others. We just can’t.
MADE WORTHY
Yet Jesus Christ came to us, knowing we were a mess. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, NIV). Not only did He come, but He settled the charges against us. “God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:13b, 14, NIV). So now, yes, we are deserving, not because what we have done or not done, but solely because of what Jesus did for us.
WALKING IN FAVOR
Mary found favor with God. But she is not the only one. We, believers and followers of Jesus, have found favor with God. And you know what? Favor is a great thing. It is something we can expect. It is something that should give us confidence, for the Lord has promised it to us. “For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield“ (Psalm 5:12, ESV). You may not call yourself righteous, but God does. If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, He has made you righteous (“right with God).
Make It Personal: You are God’s creation, and He has a plan for you (Ephesians 2:10, Jeremiah 29:11). Walk tall and confident in His love, care, and purpose for your life. You are right with Him, and if not, stop and take care of that right now. Confess, repent, and renew your love for Jesus.
Pray: God, thank You. Your favor is undeserved, but You have graciously made me worthy of Your love, favor, and blessing. Help me to walk in the knowledge that You made me, blessed me, and that You are with me and love me outrageously. You have a plan for my life; help me to boldly walk in Your plan and will. Amen.
Read: Colossians 2:13-15; Luke 1:26-38; Ephesians 2:10; Jeremiah 29:11
Weekly Memory Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11, ESV