How can we recognize God's favor in our own challenging situations? Seeing the Scene: Lot’s Cry of Gratitude amid Chaos “See now, your servant has found favor in your eyes, and you have shown me great kindness in sparing my life. But I cannot flee to the mountains; this disaster will overtake me and I will die.” (Genesis 19:19) Key Observations from Genesis 19:19 • Lot recognizes favor before all his circumstances are solved. • Favor is linked to life-preserving mercy (“sparing my life”). • He still feels weak and afraid—favor does not cancel human frailty. • He speaks honestly; God’s favor welcomes transparency. Recognizing God’s Favor in Our Crises 1. Preservation in the Midst of Judgment • Lot survives while the city falls (cf. Psalm 91:7). • Personal application: when everything shakes, yet you are upheld, that’s favor. 2. Timely Warnings and Doors of Escape • Angels pull Lot out (Genesis 19:15-16). • Today: promptings, counsel, even closed doors steering us away from harm (1 Corinthians 10:13). 3. Ongoing Presence, Not the Absence of Pressure • Lot’s fear remains, but God stays engaged (Genesis 19:21). • Favor may accompany pain (Isaiah 43:2; 2 Corinthians 12:9). 4. Kindness Far Beyond Deserving • Lot lived in a corrupt city, yet God shows “great kindness.” • Romans 5:8 underlines this pattern: grace while we were still sinners. Signals of Divine Favor Today • Unexpected protection: accidents averted, sickness limited (Psalm 5:12). • Provision that outpaces resources (Philippians 4:19). • Peace that overrides logic (Isaiah 26:3). • Strength to persevere when others quit (Colossians 1:11). • Relationships that anchor you in truth (Proverbs 27:17). • Opportunities to witness amid hardship (Acts 16:25-34). Cultivating Awareness of Favor • Stay alert to small mercies; journal them (Lamentations 3:22-23). • Thank God aloud—gratitude sharpens recognition (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Compare what could have happened with what actually did (Psalm 124:1-8). • Measure by Scripture, not feelings—favor is a covenant reality (Ephesians 1:3-6). Living with Confidence in the Lord’s Favor • Walk forward even if you feel like Lot—trembling yet trusting. • Expect God to finish what He starts (Philippians 1:6). • Use the refuge He provides; obedience keeps you within the circle of favor (John 15:10). • Share testimonies—your story of favor strengthens another believer (Revelation 12:11). |
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