Because of His special favor
Several years ago, I had to give a public talk. I gathered my notes and did my best. One afternoon, months after I had finished my presentation, I reexamined my notes and realized I had some facts wrong and had shared misinformation.
I was horrified when I became aware of my mistake. By then, however, it was too late to fix it. That day, I sat down in my bedroom and wondered how no one noticed my slip-up or at least didn’t seem to. How were so many people helped and positively impacted despite my huge mess-up?
How embarrassing!
Yet, I knew I couldn’t wallow in shame or beat myself up for falling short. I chose instead to thank the Lord for using an imperfect vessel like me to do good things in the world. That experience, though unideal, made me appreciate even more that it is not my own perfection, but it is God’s power working through me that makes me effective.
Sometimes, I think we obsess over our deficiencies and mistakes and are overly reliant on our own abilities. But we aren’t that awesome, and that’s okay. It is God’s wisdom activated in us that makes us who and what we are.
Paul the Apostle knew this, and he said as much in 1 Corinthians 15. He acknowledged his past mistake of persecuting the church and noted, “I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle” (v.9). Then he said, “But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace” (v. 10).
“Special favor is on your life. God’s power is making up for whatever you lack, and He is equipping you to do extraordinary things for His glory alone!”
Friend, the same “special favor” God poured out upon Paul has been poured out upon you. You may work hard at things and try to do your best, but it is not your hard work that gets the job done. It is God working through you by His grace.
So don’t be held hostage by what you didn’t do right in the past or what you may presently lack, because God’s grace covers all that. It is His will for you to be blessed, fruitful and used by Him in a mighty way. He has ordained good things for your life, and they will come to pass – not because of you but in spite of you.
In spite of your shortcomings. In spite of your weaknesses. In spite of your insecurities. In spite of your setbacks. In spite of your obstacles. In spite of your past. In spite of negative experiences. In spite of it all, God’s special favor is upon your life. He has chosen and equipped you.
As Philippians 4:13 NKJV says, which is the Scripture I’m stirring into your cup of inspiration, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
As you drink down the contents of your cup, know that the resurrection power of Christ dwells within you. And His power empowers you to rise above every limitation, possess every promise, fulfill every assignment, and overcome every obstacle by His grace.
Now, let’s pray.
God, I thank You for Your divine grace that makes me who and what I am. When I am discouraged by what I lack, please remind me that You are all-sufficient and lack nothing. Therefore, because You are within me, I have all I need to do, be, and have all You have ordained for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you desire prayer, please allow me, along with my intercessory prayer team, to stand in faith with you for breakthrough. We would be so honored. We have seen God work over and over again. There is power in agreement. Click here to request prayer now.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
