YEAR OF THE LORD'S FAVOR

Sunday devotional 12/30/12

We are at the end of yet another year. Many things have happened in our own lives, in the lives of our family and friends, and in the nation and the whole world. Some of those events may have been joyful and others difficult or tragic. I'm sure you can think of examples from this past year, some of which you may wish you could relive over and over, and others you may wish had never happened. 

God has promised to be with us through it all in the coming year, the good and the bad. He does not promise to take away all trials and tribulations, but he does promise to always give us the strength to make it through and even to provide a way out. God has promised to set us free.  The way through and out may not be easy, but it is simple - lean on and trust in God in all things. 

He [Jesus] went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read.  The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”  Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”  Luke 4:16-21 NIV

So even though we may face difficulties in the year to come, we can know that God is always with us - we have his favor! Now let's share that with others so they too can know his great love.

Thank you, Lord, for showing us your favor.  Help us to face our trials without fear, knowing that you are always there with us, helping us to make it through.  May our own fearlessness in times of trouble witness to others of your amazing love and mercy. Help us to bring others to you so that they, too, may be set free.  In Jesus' name, AMEN.

written by Jan Andersen