As life seems to pass people by, its easy to become a grumpy old man or woman, complaining about this or that. To ease your pain, you might even wish harm on someone’s success, jealous of their apparent blessings from God. Yet, in the end, all people really yearn for is the favor of God.
When you reach a state of helplessness, unable to pay your bills, provide for your family or know where your next meal is going to come from, faith is a last resort. Sure, winning the lottery would be great, but reality tells another story. Hard work and prayers only take you so far, the rest depends on whether or not your daily life pleases the Lord like Abel or results in the disappointment of Cain.
Genesis 39-42 provides a spiritual road map for becoming the apple of God’s eye. Despite the various tough luck Joseph endures through these chapters of the Bible, others recognized the hand of God in his life. Potiphar gave him total control of his estate and a warden delegated full responsibility of a prison to his care. In the ups and downs of life, Joseph’s relationship with God was a mainstay, the wind beneath his wings.
A couple of thousands of years after Joseph’s death in Egypt, Jesus shares a parable in Matthew 25:14-30. Though the term favor is not mentioned directly, Jesus reveals how someone can get God’s attention. Like a master going on a long journey, no date is set for his return. Nonetheless, the goal is simple, live each day as if they are coming home today. Void of complacency, seeking God’s favor is not unattainable. On the contrary, take the unique gift, personality and talent you have received from the Lord, applying each daily. God willing, by His grace and mercy, one day, you will hear those words spoken by Jesus, “well done good and faithful servant!” – Matthew 25:21.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 