The favour of the Lord is upon you – 29 Sept 2008

God is always encouraging and motivating his children in times of trouble. Today I want to encourage you through the story of Saul, who we know entered divine destiny as a result of problems.  He was asked by his father to go find some lost donkeys and when he had reached the point of discouragement, almost returning home in despair, his servant suggested they consult a man of God.  We all know the end of the story, that when he met the man of God, Samuel, he was informed the donkeys had been found.  After eating at the same high table with Samuel and spending the night at the great prophet’s home, Saul was anointed the next king of the following morning! 1 Samuel 9 to 1 Samuel 10 v (1- 2).

It’s also very interesting to know that behind the scenes and unknown to Saul, all this was in answer to prayer when the people of prayed to God they wanted to be led by a king (read 1 Samuel chapter 8).  Perhaps he had also joined those who prayed for a king but when the answer came in a manner least expected, he couldn’t stand it:

“But when they looked for him, he was not to be found. So they inquired further of the LORD, "Has the man come here yet?"

And the LORD said, "Yes, he has hidden himself among the baggage."

1 Samuel 10:21-22 [NIV]

Whatever challenge you maybe experiencing today, there is hope. I don’t know how God is going to appear and manifest himself in your situation but what I know is he did not publish this story for the sake of it, but to give someone encouragement today. Elsewhere in the first chapters of Hebrews he says (and I paraphrase) - today if you hear my word, mix it with faith and enter my rest.

Isn’t God so wonderful that he is able to turn something bitter into something good:

 
 “Out of the eater, something to eat;
out of the strong, something sweet." Judges 14 vs 14 [NIV]

or to use a more familiar scripture

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

Romans 8:37 [NIV]

I will conclude by saying that if you have “lost your donkey” and have prayed about the situation, be on the look out!  The answer is coming, and it may come as a flood.  You will be comforted, you will be delivered, your wounds will be bandaged and you will be healed.  The Lord Jesus will look down upon you with favour.

I read this incredible story the other day. In the midst of the Great Depression of 1930, Colonel Sanders served his first Kentucky Fried Chicken at a gas station he owned in North Corbin, Kentucky, . His business was so successful until the 1950’s when the unexpected happened - the government decided to build the Interstate 75 motorway. Unfortunately and almost overnight, it bypassed North Corbin and with it went Colonel Sanders’ business and customers. However, instead of quitting in despair, he sold his properties and traveled the entire selling his chicken to restaurant owners through franchise agreements paying him five cents for each piece of chicken sold.

Today KFC is in business in 100 countries with 1,800 restaurants in mainland ’s provinces (excluding ) alone.  This business would not have grown, had it not been for the Interstate 75 motorway which appeared a major disaster then.  Don’t give up God’s word is the final authority.