The Favor of God

This time of year causes me to reflect. Or should I say, the authors I'm following, podcast hosts and speakers I'm listening to, and promptings of God I'm feeling, are causing me to reflect! 😆

Every one of the said influences (along with friends) above have challenged me to find a word for the New Year. I believe God's given me that word. But I'll wait to share it...until I'm absolutely sure!

This whole concept makes me reflect on my “word” from last year, before focusing on finding a new one...

Let me start by saying this past year has been challenging. I’m sure some of you also had a challenging year!

Back in December of 2022 when we were in Texas, I was searching God in a desperate way, asking Him – pleading with Him – for some answers, breakthroughs, and miracles.

In the midst of those challenges, and desperation with God I would often look through a lens of disappointment and confusion.

Then right after that Christmas (2022) I was given the word, "Favor" as my word for the New Year (2023).

As I reflect over this last year I am having a difficult time looking at how I experienced favor.  BUT because I feel that was what God was trying to teach me about, I cannot, will not move forward with a new year, new word, before I’m able to glean something from these past years’.

Amen?

Now looking back, I remember God getting my attention earlier in 2022 with an idea that I believe is relevant to the current subject.

He spoke to me through others and His Word that often we haven’t lived in the land He is calling us to because it would cave in on us. Many of us are not ready for the blessings...the weight of what we’re asking for is too much for us.

Until our foundation is strong and steady we need to continue to seek His face, and His opportunity to strengthen us where we are before moving us to the places we hope for, long for, and are being called to. It was profound to me and made so much sense. And it's not to say we're not good enough to get there, or are too sinful, etc. I think He was trying to show me it was just part of the process. Like expecting a baby to go from sitting up, to running up and down the stairs.

Noone would expect that quick transition, and frankly it would be dangerous! So just as a baby grows, sits up, rolls over, takes her first step, and so on ... We too as Christians must go through seasons of progressing from one level to another. There's no shame in it, it just is what it is, and we need to be patient with the process.

So, this blog is interactive: SURPRISE!!!

Are you up for it!? Providing me with feedback?

I am going to include a link to my podcast to listen to episode #1 :

The Favor of God, please check it out

https://www.podbean.com/ea/pb-6q7ws-1541699

Feel free to start by listening to my Introduction Episode, too if your interested.

|• FEEDBACK •|

So here are the main points I’d love for you to reflect on while you listen to my podcast, episode #1 :

Points to ponder:

✓ What is your idea of “Favor”? God’s favor?

✓ How do you reconcile difficult circumstances along with God’s promises and living the Christian life?

✓ What questions do you still have about God’s favor?

Please listen to the podcast episode first before pondering these questions and providing feedback.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, listen to, and consider responding to me about it!

Please email feedback to me at :

mbavandenbergh@gmail.com

or on WhatsApp, or Marco Polo.

I'll be sharing some of this feedback in a part 2 to this episode.

Just specify if you'd like to remain anonymous, or not.

I look forward to hearing from you!!!

MB✌🏼