Favor in the Storm and Famine
This sermon redefines how we understand divine favor, suggesting it is not merely the absence of difficulty but a powerful presence within it. It encourages readers to recognize God's active hand, even when circumstances appear challenging or unfair.
God's favor is present not only when things are going well, but also during difficulties, protecting and empowering you. Challenges and opposition can be divine setups for promotion and reaching your destiny.
Overview
This sermon redefines the understanding of God's favor, suggesting it is not merely the absence of problems but rather the force that prevents challenges from defeating you. It emphasizes that even in difficult times, an unseen favor is at work, pushing back forces of darkness and protecting believers.
Using the biblical account of the Israelites at the Red Sea, the sermon illustrates how favor was active even when they felt fear and uncertainty while walking between walls of water. The speaker argues that we often fail to recognize favor until after the crisis has passed, but it is present throughout the struggle.
The sermon then expands on the concept of "favor in the famine," drawing on the story of Isaac who prospered tremendously in a drought by trusting God's command to stay and plant. It also highlights how opposition, as seen with Zerubbabel rebuilding the temple, can backfire on enemies and lead to unexpected provision and promotion.
Finally, the message extends to personal betrayals and unfair situations, exemplified by Joseph and Job. It proposes that these challenges are not signs of a lack of favor, but divinely orchestrated steps designed to move individuals towards their destiny, ultimately leading to greater blessing and vindication.
Key points
- Favor is defined as what keeps challenges from defeating you, rather than the absence of challenges.
- God's favor is actively working behind the scenes during difficult times, protecting and empowering individuals.
- The Israelites at the Red Sea experienced favor that was unseen but powerful, holding back waters and enemies.
- We can experience "favor in the famine," meaning God can cause us to prosper and succeed even in adverse conditions, as Isaac did.
- Opposition and criticism from others can be a sign that God is about to elevate you to a new level.
- Attempts by enemies to stop you can be supernaturally turned around by God to become sources of promotion or provision, as seen with Zerubbabel.
- Difficulties, betrayals, and disappointments can be divinely orchestrated setups designed to launch you into the fullness of your destiny.
In Joel Osteen's words
“Favor is what's keeping those challenges from defeating you.”
“Favor is not going to keep you from the storm, but favor will bring you out of the storm.”
“God is not limited by the conditions. He's limited by our thinking.”
Outline
- I. Favor in the Storm Defined
- A. Favor is what keeps challenges from defeating you.
- B. Favor works unseen in difficult times, pushing back darkness.
- II. Biblical Example: The Israelites at the Red Sea
- A. Favor was present even amidst fear and uncertainty.
- B. Recognition of favor often comes in hindsight.
- III. The Perspective of Favor in Adversity
- A. God is actively working behind the scenes, steadying and strengthening you.
- B. Enemy opposition indicates you are a threat and on the verge of something amazing.
- C. Favor brings you out of the storm, even if it doesn't prevent it.
- IV. Biblical Example: Isaac and Favor in the Famine (Genesis 26)
- A. God can cause prosperity even in challenging economic or environmental conditions.
- B. Our limited thinking can restrict God's blessings.
- C. Expect unexpected blessings when honoring God.
- V. Biblical Example: Zerubbabel and Favor in Opposition
- A. Opposition can backfire and lead to promotion or increased provision.
- B. God knows how to vindicate you.
- VI. Favor in Betrayal and Unfair Situations (Joseph and Job)
- A. Difficult experiences can be divinely orchestrated steps toward destiny.
- B. Challenges can launch you to new levels, not keep you from them.
- VII. Conclusion: Maintain the Right Perspective
- A. Live in peace, knowing you have favor in the storm and famine.
- B. Expect breakthroughs, vindication, and promotion.
Scripture references
1 My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.
2 I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me.
1 Then Job answered the Lord, and said,
2 I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
1 And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
2 And the Lord appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of:
Insights
Favor is not the absence of trouble, but strength within it.
Behind the scenes, God's hand is always at work.
Adversity can be a setup for divine promotion.
Questions & answers
What is the sermon's main point about God's favor?
The sermon argues that God's favor is not just present when good things happen, but actively works within difficulties to prevent them from defeating you, and can even turn them into opportunities for promotion.
How does the sermon define favor in difficult times?
Favor is defined as the unseen force that pushes back darkness, protects you, and keeps challenges from overcoming you, even when you are in the middle of a storm or facing opposition.
What does the sermon mean by 'favor in the famine'?
'Favor in the famine' refers to God's ability to cause you to prosper and succeed tremendously even when surrounding conditions are poor, as illustrated by Isaac planting and harvesting a hundredfold during a drought.
What examples does the sermon give of opposition turning into promotion?
The sermon uses Zerubbabel, whose enemies trying to stop him ended up being forced by the king to fund and supply his temple rebuilding project. It also references Joseph and Job, whose adversities ultimately led to their elevation and double blessing.
According to the sermon, how does our thinking impact God's favor?
The sermon states that God is not limited by external conditions, but He can be limited by our own thinking. Negative thoughts, worries, and focusing on disadvantages can prevent us from believing for and receiving unexpected blessings.
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