Topic: The Favor of God
Charles Spurgeon once said, "God is too good to be unkind and He is too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart." Isn't that a powerful reminder of God's unfailing love and wisdom?
Take a moment and read Isaiah 30:18-22.
In the midst of our trials and tribulations, it is often difficult to perceive God's favor. Yet, the scripture passage from Isaiah 30:18-22 assures us that God's favor is not absent in times of trouble, but rather, it is most profoundly present. The first verse, "Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you," is a powerful testament to God's enduring love and favor toward us, even in our darkest hours.
The Hebrew word for favor, 'hen', connotes grace, kindness and acceptance. It is a divine attribute that God bestows upon His people, not because we have earned it, but because of His boundless love and mercy. This favor is not a guarantee of a trouble-free life, but rather, it is the assurance of God's presence, guidance and sustenance in the midst of our troubles. God’s favor is an active, dynamic force that propels us forward, enabling us to navigate through our trials with courage, resilience and hope. It is God's favor that gives us the strength to endure, the wisdom to understand and the faith to trust in His divine plan, even when our circumstances seem bleak and insurmountable.
God’s favor manifests itself in various ways. For some, it may be the sudden provision of resources in times of need. For others, it may be the unexpected help from a stranger, the comforting words from a friend or the inner peace that surpasses all understanding. Yet, for all, God's favor is the assurance of His unfailing love, His unwavering presence and His unchanging promises.
Verse 19 says, "For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you." God hears our cries and responds with grace and mercy. It's not a promise that we will never experience pain or suffering, but it is a promise that God will be with us in those moments, offering comfort and ultimately leading us to restoration.
John Stott once said: "I could never myself believe in God if it were not for the cross... In the real world of pain, how could one worship a God who was immune to it?" God is not distant or detached from our suffering. Instead, He chose to enter into our pain through the person of Jesus Christ, who suffered on the cross for our sins. This act of divine love and sacrifice is the ultimate expression of God's commitment to comfort and restore us.
This is a comforting image, especially when we feel lost or uncertain about the path ahead. It reassures us that God is not distant or detached from our struggles. He is actively involved, ready to guide us every step of the way.
Verse 21 says, "Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." This speaks of a God who is constantly speaking and guiding. It's a beautiful image of God's voice being so close and clear, that it's as if He's right behind us whispering the way forward. It's a reminder that God's guidance isn't just for the big decisions in life, but for every turn we take, whether to the right or to the left.
No matter what we're going through, God is waiting to be gracious to us. He hears our cries. He comforts us in our pain. He guides us on the right path. Let's not forget to wait on Him, for blessed are those who wait for the Lord. And let's cast aside anything that hinders our relationship with Him, just as the Israelites were instructed to scatter their idols.
See you Sunday!
Dr. Scott Kallem