Favour in God's SightSpeaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: Lord Jesus came to this world so that we may receive the favour of our Lord God Almighty. He has a solution for every problem that we may ever face. When we seek His favour, we will surely receive it. Let us do it before it is late. Lord Jesus was sent to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour (Isaiah 61:2,3). During His sojourn in this sinful world, Jesus Christ comforted all who mourned, healed the broken-hearted, released the prisoners and set the captives free. He showed compassion to the fatherless and widows (Psalm 68:5) and provided homes for the lonely (Psalm 68:6). He disbursed God's favour to those who had lost all hopes in their lives.
Lord Jesus healed a certain man who had an infirmity for thirty-eight years and cheered him up (John 5:5-9). He made a woman normal who had been bent over for eighteen long years and freed her from her infirmity (Luke 13:11-13). A woman having a flow of blood for twelve years received complete healing in a moment by touching the hem of His garment (Luke 8:43,44). He raised alive those who had died and gave joy to the dear ones. In this manner, He brought the Lord's abundant blessings on those who passed through the valley of tears and made them see the years of His favour. Such a gracious Lord Jesus Christ is alive and is the unchanging Lord of all times. He is ready even today to help you graciously.
Dear friend, surrender yourself completely and the needs of your home into the hands of our loving Lord and Saviour Jesus.
"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him." (Nahum 1:7)
"But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him." (1 Corinthians 8:3)
The Lord knows our hearts inside out. The complete faith and trust in God is not found in everyone. God is sought by everyone to some extent. That is all. Many seem to think that it is not necessary to follow Him, and so forfeit His divine blessings. Perhaps their situations did not warrant them to think of Him.
The parable of Lazarus recorded in the Bible tells us of how the rich man and poor Lazarus lived in this world and what different experiences they had in their lives after their deaths (Luke 16:19-31). While living in this world, the rich man had no want whatever. Hence, he had no thought or heart to seek God or His favour. The result was that he landed in hell.
Dear friend, it is good to pass through suffering in this world. As the Bible says, "It is good for a man to bear the yoke in his youth" (Lamentations 3:27). It is only when we pass through sufferings, trials and tribulations that we seek the Lord's power and guidance. The Lord grants us His favour and turns all our sufferings into joy.
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
There were two girls named Selvi and Lily, who were brought up with much love and care by their parents. Both went to Sunday school regularly. The younger daughter Lily, even as a child accepted the Lord Jesus as her personal Saviour. Selvi lived just a nominal life and did not commit herself wholly to Christ. Both of them grew up and in course of time got married and settled in their family lives. Selvi, according to her taste, sought and succeeded in starting a glamorous life whereas Lily chose a simple, committed, holy life as her life partner and was contented in her heart. In spite of being sisters, Selvi used to scoff Lily's simplicity and hurt her feelings. Lily, however, bore it all very patiently and prayed earnestly that her sister should be saved and come closer to God. Days passed by. Selvi's husband showed change in his love for her in course of time. He stopped returning home at regular hours and turned his love to other women. Selvi was shocked by the happenings in her life. It was then that she realized the great peace and contentment in her sister Lily's home. She yearned for such a peace in her heart and life. She ran to her sister in tears. Lily was filled with the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. She prayed regularly everyday along with Selvi, who also evidently committed herself to Christ. Selvi's life changed dramatically. Like her sister, she fasted and prayed regularly. She poured all her problems at the feet of Jesus. The Lord helped her to transform her husband by her love and virtuous life. Great joy and divine peace began to overflow in her life and began to rebuild her broken home.
My dear friend, are you languishing like Selvi amidst unbearable sufferings and tears? Are you deprived of love, care, peace and joy in your life? Give place for Christ in your heart so that He can transform your life. Seek His blessing, comfort and unchanging love and compassion. He will fill you with His own virtues. Seeing them, everyone around you will experience the love of God and be led in God's righteous ways. The Lord will, in return, fill your home with love, peace, joy and all the blessings that you may desire.
Prayer:
Gracious Lord Jesus,
I am leading a nominal life without true love or faith. Have mercy on me and forgive my failures and shortcomings. Wash me clean by Your precious blood and reveal to me the plans that You have kept for my life. Teach me to lead a god-fearing life. Fill me with Your love and help me to be a good witness before others. I give You all the glory.
Amen. |