How do we pray when what we need is in the hands of others without coveting what they have? People have often asked me to pray that they'd have favor with someone or in a certain situation. I did so without giving it much thought. However, I realized I've never prayed this way for myself.
Have I ever seen any example in the New Testament where believers prayed for favor? No. I decided to look up the scripture references that mention favor. This word is used about 170 times in the New Testament.
I discovered that favor is one of those things that grows. It is sought and found - not prayed for. Favor is not a prayer, it's a lifestyle.
In Ruth 2, she captures Boaz's attention. Boaz does some research and then tells Ruth to stay in his fields. His young men would watch out for her, provide water, and she could glean barley. She's surprised and asks him why he is showing her such favor. He's heard about how she left her homeland and family to travel back to Israel with Naomi. Her care for her mother-in-law, her willingness to work hard and provide food for them both all impress him. Even though she's suffered many losses, her character shines through.
How can we develop the same character? Grow in humility; decrease in pride.
To hear the full message and take a test on your humility/pride level, please visit our website and click on the Listen Tab. You can listen online, download it to your MP3 player, or podcast.
If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to our Sunday Morning Service at 10:00 AM. Zoe Christian Fellowship is located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), in Warrington, PA. We look forward to meeting you!
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