The Touch of God’s Favor
“To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified” (Isa. 61:3 NKJ).
Grace is much more than escaping hell and entering heaven. It is not an issue of heaven to come with no practical daily relevance. Many of us still do not realize that grace is not a teaching or revelation but an experience—a practical one that touches every aspect of our lives, from marriage, finances, and health to ministry and Christian life. Grace is more practical than many believers realize. It has value, here and now, before we get into heaven!
The scripture above shows us three effects, among others, that follow a touch of divine favor. You cannot be touched by grace and remain the same. Think of a pile of burning coals that are becoming cold and dark. Think of what happens when you use a pair of bellows to blow a current of air on the coals. The black coals begin to glow and shine! That is what happens to your life when you are touched by the wind of God’s favor. When the wind of God’s grace blows upon us, beauty replaces ashes, joy takes the place of mourning, and praise occupies the place heaviness once occupied! Grace transforms the ashes of our lives from the ruin of sin, past experiences, our jobs, families, and finances into beauty! Righteousness will spring forth where sin had ruled. Poverty will give way to wealth. Health will take the place of disease. Joy and praise will replace depression (the spirit of heaviness). These are the footprints of grace in a life. Grace is visible! And the scripture says you have already received grace in Christ! (See Eph. 1:6.)
MEDITATE
Who was to make the prophecy in Isa. 61:3 above a reality? See the first two verses of the same chapter (Isa. 61:1-2).
APPLY THE WORD!
When you read the scriptures, you ask yourself how you can act on it and make it your lifestyle. That is the secret of a life of victory. Are you in ashes, mourning, or heaviness? Grab what grace has provided for you by knowledge and faith!
PRAY
Ask the Father to help you fully take advantage of everything grace has provided for you.
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I have receive so much enlightenment today by studying that grace is not just a teaching but an experience.Thank you Lord Jesus for your grace in my life and thank you Dr.Patrick for availing yourself to be used by Him to bring us such powerful life changing teachings.God bless you!
Praise the Lord for using His Word to enrich and bless our lives.Thank you for your comments and keep the fire burning!