The Favor to Get Stoned and the Blessing to Be Crucified

 

The Favor to Get Stoned and the Blessing to Be Crucified

In a lot of Christian circles there is talk that we have the favor of God upon us and that because we are the light of the world we should be bringing a shift in the atmostphere wherever we are.  My heart resonates with these words because they are very much true Scripturally.  If you are a Christian and you don’t believe you are the light of the world and that the Spirit of God is upon you, then I imagine you have a very hopeless outlook on the world and your purpose in life.  The problem is, though, when we place the expectation of change on ourselves rather than on God working through us. 

Paul was one of the most anointed followers of God in the history of Christianity.  He brought changes in cities and countries all throughout Southern Europe and West Asia.  He indeed was blessed, changed atmospheres, and had the favor of God to speak before many kings and governors.  But at the same time Paul was stoned, was whipped many times, and was imprisoned many times.  Despite all the favor and blessing and light upon him, many people still hated him and mistreated him. 

Many Christians have found themselves working for a difficult boss or having a difficult relative who just won’t seem to change or respond in any positive way.  Sometimes doubt can creep in for such people that maybe their prayers aren’t that powerful or maybe they just don’t have the favor of God on their lives, like the other “prosperous” Christians they see.  The irony though, is that the most favored man of all, Jesus, was hated by many who never changed despite His preaching and His works and who eventually crucified Him.  I realize that might not be too encouraging for those of you who are continuing to pray for those difficult people in your lives, but what I want to point out is that Jesus was resurrected and overcame all their attacks against Him.  Nothing they did was able to stop Him. 

Don’t be discouraged if you are in an environment that is difficult.  It was the Spirit of God that led Jesus to Jerusalem to be crucified.  It was the Spirit of God that led Paul to cities where he was imprisoned and mistreated.  As long as you are walking with the Spirit you can trust that despite any struggle or difficulty, the Lord is working all things for your good and will bless you.  His Spirit will never leave you.  Even in the toughest places, you are indeed being a light and changing the atmosphere, whether you can tangibly see it or not.  Continue to pray for those difficult people in your life, but know that in the end God is the author and the perfector and their salvation is His responsibility.  If His Spirit leads you elsewhere, entrust them to the Lord and continue on.  God’s favor is with you!

God bless!