Be on the lookout for the favor of God

A while ago, I heard a legend about a wise king who supplied the people of his village with everything that they needed. There were storehouses of vast supplies in the village that could be given...

A while ago, I heard a legend about a wise king who supplied the people of his village with everything that they needed. There were storehouses of vast supplies in the village that could be given to the people at their very request. All the villagers had to do was ask, and their petition would be granted.

However, the king had one stipulation. The villagers had to be on the lookout. They needed to be watchful, expectantly waiting and ready to receive what they requested. In the same way the villagers needed to be prepared, we too, need to be watchful, expectantly waiting and ready to receive God-given opportunities and joys that await.

In your mind’s eye, visualize yourself surrounded by exactly the things you desire. In every direction, picture the blessings that you seek coming to you. And ask God for them. Ask with faith, believing you will receive them. For her birthday, my daughter wanted wooden Russian Nesting dolls for a gift. The brightly painted dolls are made in such a way that they can be taken apart to reveal smaller dolls fitting within one another compactly. Every nesting doll is smaller than the previous one. Therefore, you’re surprised as you find additional dolls. Likewise, God is going to surprise you. He hasn’t taken you this far to abandon you now. And each surprise will be better than the last.

God has a purpose for you. So why are you getting upset over circumstances in your past or situations that are taking longer to happen than they should? There’s something that is bigger than you think in your future. And so, this week, be on the lookout. For, soon, you are going to see God’s favor come to pass.

You could be discouraged because of an unfair situation. God is guiding and protecting you. Keep doing what’s right in the Lord’s sight, as God has handfuls of blessings ahead. For, “God holds success in store for the upright; He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless.” (Proverbs 2:7).

A door may have closed. Pray and look to God for what can be, as He has something better on the way. There is a new beginning in front of you. As, “God will bestow on you a crown of beauty, instead of ashes.” (Isaiah 61:3).

Circumstances might be giving you cause to worry. However, God is with you always. He watches over you and holds you in His hands. So thank God that He is directing your steps, thus, “there is no need to be anxious about anything.” (Philippians 4:6).

Perhaps, you’re feeling weak. Stay hopeful; stay positive. God is renewing your strength like the eagle. For, “Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31).

Or maybe someone has upset you. Leave the hurts behind and move onward. Don’t let anything get you off course, knowing that, “You are more than a conqueror through Him that loves you.” (Romans 8:37).

In the Old Testament, I read about the prophet Elijah. They were in the middle of a huge drought, and Elijah went to the top of Mount Carmel to pray for rain. Previously, the Lord had told Elijah that rain would come to the land (1 Kings 18:1). So Elijah dropped to his knees and prayed persistently and actively, expecting God’s promise to transpire.