Saturday, September 6, 2014

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

Luck Versus Favor

Psalm 90:17 May the FAVOR of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us- yes, establish the work of our hands.

As I've embarked on each new chapter of my life -marriage, a baby, a new home, ministry endeavors - many well-meaning people have said to me, "Good luck." These are words that I've uttered in the past as well, but I have come to a greater understanding of what I need in life, and it's not luck...

I need (we all need) God's FAVOR.

Luck is defined by Webster as "a force that brings good fortune or adversity; favoring chance; or the events or circumstances that operate for or against an individual."

I just don't believe that my life and that your life is simply left to chance or some unknown force.

A person can be deemed "unlucky" when - as Webster describes - the events or circumstances operate against them.

But even in these perceived "unlucky" times, God is still in control, still cares, and is still working on your behalf. Hebrews 11:1 reveals that "faith is the substance of things HOPED for, the evidence of things NOT seen." Just because you have not seen your miracle YET, doesn't mean you are a hopeless case.

In difficult times - instead of turning to God - many just retreat saying things like, "Whatever happens happens...que sera sera." They leave their lives to chance...to luck...to the mercy of the circumstances.

Instead, I challenge you in these times to confidently echo the words of David in Psalm 25:1, "In you, Lord my God, I put my trust."

Rather than luck, pray for God's will and favor in your life.

Favor is defined as "Gracious kindness." The Bible says in Romans 5:8 that "...while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." He poured out His gracious kindness on us even when we didn't deserve it, and He didn't stop there!

Psalm 84:11 says, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows FAVOR and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless."

We serve a great, BIG God. In Isaiah, the Bible describes God's majesty. Did you know that He can hold the ocean waters cupped in His hands and can measure the heavens with His fingers? Wow! So, why do we leave our lives to luck when we serve such a magnificent God? I choose His blessings, His favor, His love...

Dear Lord, Thank You for Your grace. Please continue to pour out Your favor in my life. I put my trust and hope in 

YOU!

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.

Reflection:  Are you placing your trust in our BIG God no matter what your circumstances look like?