God's Favor Over Your Life Will Always Supersede What Naysayers Desire For You!

We have nearly completed the first month of the new year! I don't know about you, but for me, it has moved quickly and left me wondering where all the time has gone. As I was sitting here this morning making needed phone calls and even tuning in to some Facebook live's from some gifted spiritual voices. I found myself pondering on the fact that as we learn who we are chosen by God to be. We will also find that there are those that desire to oppose that God has chosen us to fulfill a certain task, assignment or spiritual gifting. For some of us, it may be strangers, friends or family. There is nothing new under the sun. Even in biblical times, there were instances where friends and family were the biggest opposers or naysayers over one's life. I can even say that I have faced the same opposition from some friends and family. It took me many years to accept the spiritual call in my life. I wasted so many years allowing low self-esteem, depression, body image issues, insecurities and feelings of inadequacy to rob me of precious time, success and happiness. Many would prefer your struggles to be highlighted than to see God call you to be and do something great. I'm grateful now that I can handle being doubted. I couldn't always handle it. I'm also glad that when man doubts us and talks against who God says we are. God has no problem confirming publicly who we are. God is just that good! Scripture says that before you were born He knew you! He knew who you would be! So, who others say you are means nothing!

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Jeremiah 1:5

Perhaps you can relate to Joseph. Joseph was mistreated by his brothers and sold into slavery by them. Yet he continued to trust and rely on God. His next trial landed him in prison due to a lie told by his master's wife. If anyone should understand betrayal it would be Joseph. While in prison, Joseph was met by favor! Find it not strange that when those that desire to devour you have no power to stop the favor that God allows to show up in your life! With all that was thrown Joseph's way, he could not be stopped! 

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Genesis 50:20

Could you imagine losing everything like Job? Job's friends nor his wife supported him during his trial by believing God's promises for his life. Imagine losing your children, home, livestock and wealth. Job was sure to hold on to one thing - his praise! How many of us would do the same? How many of us would endure a major trial in life and continue to praise God through it with grace? I can't imagine the number of people that would do this, but I trust that the number isn't very high. Why? Because people despise suffering. For many of us, things have to look hopeful for us to trust God. But, not Job. He stood on the promises of God and didn't allow the emotions of his wife and friends to allow him to miss the blessings of God. He even prayed for his friends that came against him! I, too, have had to do the same. After doing so, I experienced such a sense of peace. After Job prayed for his friends, God released his blessings! 

After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. Job 42:10

I pray that today's blog has blessed you! No matter what anyone outside of God says, trust God in all things! Trust His promises! Trust His Word! Don't be fooled by how things look to the human eye! Allow yourself to be encouraged and guided by the Spirit!