God's Favor....The Perfect Christmas Gift

by Denise Mistich
(Mt. Juliet, Tennessee)

Face it ladies, you've been lied to. From the time you were born, although unintentionally, someone taught you lies about yourself that left you struggling and striving to earn someone's favor; to be the best; to be perfect.

Maybe your parents told you that you were an accident, or maybe they didn't always have much time for you. Maybe you could never do enough to please your mom; you weren't the favorite.

Then your teacher in elementary school passed you up way too many times when you raised your hand to answer her questions; you weren't the favorite.

By the time you got to high school, you were already doing things to try to become the favorite, right? In college, maybe you competed, struggled, crashed, burned and started all over again; trying to be the favorite.

Now you have matured beyond those years of struggling to be the best. Then why the credit card debt? Why the best piece of real estate in the best neighborhood? Why the luxury car? Why the breast enhancements? Why are you working two jobs to pay for it all? Why do you find it so difficult to say no, when someone asks you to do something you really don't have time to do?

It's about being someone's favorite. It's about being a number one top hit!

I want you to know that your pain is a billion dollar industry. Look at all the products and advertisements out there that are based on self promotion; things that make you feel better about yourself. Then, there are the self-help books and talk shows that make millions helping you get over it.

In my study about the Virgin Mary last month, I pointed out that she didn't earn the title highly favored. I also pointed out that neither did you nor I, but the title is ours. Later, in reading the next few verses (Luke 1:30) I became a little concerned that perhaps she did earn it.

Luke 1:30
But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. NIV

Now, to me the word found was a little disconcerting. Perhaps she was one of those ladies that had the high status, the smooth skin and hair, the composure of Queen Elizabeth. (You know the type. They are wrinkle free from top to bottom. They are always the favorite.)

So, my second question in Seven Questions for a Pregnant Virgin is how did the Virgin Mary find God's favor? Where did she go? What did she do?

I could not find the answer! But, I found this: Luke 12:37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. WOW!

Since the word favor in this verse comes from grace in the Greek language, and that grace is of God, I believe the Virgin Mary found God's favor because she simply looked in His direction. Seek God and you will find God's favor.

After all, how do you find the best piece of real estate in the best neighborhood? How do you find the perfect luxury car? How do you find the right company to help you consolidate your credit card debt? You look!

It is almost Christmas again and isn't that the best time to find God's favor so that you can give it to others? Wouldn't that be the perfect Christmas gift for your teenage daughter, your niece or your best girl friend! (My husband said to tell you the guys need it too.)

Cut up your credit cards ladies, because you can't buy God's favor. Put down your working gloves, because you can't earn God's favor.

Get up every morning and look Him right in the face and say "Good morning Father God!" That is where you will find God's favor.

Now, you are a number one top hit for a lifetime, not just a few weeks. Now, you can relax!