FAVOR AIN'T FAIR

25 Let their flesh be renewed like a child’s; let them be restored as in the days of their youth’ 26 then that person can pray to God and find favor with him, they will see God’s face and shout for joy; he will restore them to full well-being. Job 33:25-26 NIV

Often times in the midst of our struggles we have a tendency to look at others and wonder how they got so blessed. Their marriages are on point, their children got it all together, they’re living well, they have great jobs, their health is intact and they seem at peace. Some people make life look easy.  So we wonder “how is it that I am falling apart at the seams? Why does God test me so, when other people are floating through life seemingly pain free?” Fret not my friend, because favor ain’t fair, and please believe that each of us has had a cross or two to bear.

Consider Hannah, she was married to a man that loved her; her first born was anointed by God and she birthed 5 children after him (1 Samuel 2:21).  Surely many looked upon her as favored by God, having been blessed with a righteous husband, 4 sons and 2 daughters. But what of her journey to be blessed as such… Year after year she watched as others bore sons, but never her. Hannah was barren and was humiliated by her inability to bear her husband a son (see 1 Samuel 1:6). However, she made her request known to the Lord and He heard her cries. Better yet, when she received her blessing, she willingly returned it unto the Lord with praise and thanksgiving (see 1 Samuel 2:1-10).

Instead of looking at people as if their lives are served up on a silver platter, take time to consider how that silver platter came to be. More than likely it was refined by fire, and in that heat the impurities were burned out in order to produce something that was appealing and worth admiring. The appeal of someone else’s life often makes ours seem that much harder, but just know that God created each of us uniquely for a purpose of His choosing. Do not be swayed because your silver platter seems tarnished and bent; a little more time in the fire and what is reflected will be pleasing to God, not just man.

Remember, God never promised us a rose garden; in fact He warned us that there will be thorns. Look at what Jesus went through to get the glory; it was worth it for Him to be able to save us all. Jesus was the Lamb led to slaughter for the benefit of all mankind. What Christ suffered on Calvary was treacherous and unimaginable, yet He was favored above all. Was it fair? Not so much, but the end result is that we can have everlasting life because of His sacrifice. This life here on earth will not always be fair, but by God we are blessed and highly favored. And His favor levels the playing field!

Prayer: Father thank you for the trials that brought us to our triumphs. We know that we are favored because we are your children and you promised that you would never leave us nor forsake us. Forgive us for looking upon others to measure our worth. Help us to remain focused on you and your Word and not on man. You are the Deliverer of countless blessings, the Conqueror of our biggest shortcoming and fears, and the Redeemer of all that was ever wrong within us. We thank you and praise you in Jesus’ name, Amen!

Read 1 Samuel to learn more about the favor of God.