As I wrote the book, Adopting the Father’s Heart, I saw a pattern forming. Looking back over the three-year journey of preparing for foster care, caring for a foster son, then adopting that son, I recognized something or someone influencing the results.
I did not expect to find favor with the biological family, but we did. We worked well with all the professionals involved in the case. Our son, who is a little over 2 years old now, bonded with us immediately. Even though we are in our late 40’s and early 50’s, God blessed us with many friends who are in their 30’s with young children.. Even the adoption process went more quickly and smoothly than anyone predicted.
Need I go on?
I know some would call this fate. But, I am not talking about fate. Others might call it grace. It is more than grace.
It is favor. Favor defined as goodwill, unfair partiality, preferential treatment.
Truthfully, I can see God’s favor in my life for longer than the past three years of our journey in foster care and adoption. You might think that is an arrogant statement. But, look at it through the lens of a father or mother.
Does a father not show his own child partiality? Most people are considerate of others. They might even be compassionate. But, a father naturally extends preferential treatment toward his own child.
So, what is the secret to experiencing God’s favor? Knowing God as your Father, your Dad. Whatever affectionate term you have for your earthly father. That is the kind of relationship God desires to have with you. And once you have that kind of relationship, He pours out His favor on you.
It has taken me a life time to begin to understand the powerful, intimate, and yes, favorable relationship that I have because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. Believe it or not, many Christians that are reading this are having a hard time accepting it as truth. But, it is true. God’s favor in the life of His adopted children happens.
“…God sent forth His son…so that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba Father!” Galatians 4:4-6
“For he who finds me (God) finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.” Proverbs 8:34
Abba, Father. That is like referring to God as Daddy. If God truly sees me as his adopted son, no wonder I experience His favor.
So, I do not attribute our good fortune with fostering and adopting our son to luck or fate. I sure do not think it is because of my abilities or hard work. I completely attribute it to favor showered on us by a loving Father.
Question for you: How have you experienced God’s favor? Or, how would an intimate relationship with God make your life different?
Our pastor encourages us to “make God’s business your business and, in turn, He will make your business His business.” Of course, it is much more than the cold, commercial transaction that that sounds like. Pastor Robin just likes to use the turn of a phrase to get his larger point across.
I have definitely experienced God’s favor in my life. I’ve also experienced his opposition. The man of God told King Amaziah that the Lord has the power to help you or to trip you up (2 Chron 25). I am convinced that His overarching agenda is that intimate relationship of which you speak. He works all things, favor and opposition, together for the good of those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose. His purpose, His “business” is about drawing His children to Himself. Maybe His opposition is an expression of His favor in my life as well.
Great comment. As a new Dad, I know that sometimes I oppose my son. Not because I want to punish, but lovingly protect him. I imagine our Heavenly Father does the same with us.