“Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.”- Genesis 6:8
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”- 2 Timothy 4:7
As Mark Batterson concludes Chapter 10 of All In, he states that during a time when great wickedness prevailed on the earth, Noah stood out and found favor in the Lord’s eyes. Pastor Batterson then defines the favor of God as “what God can do for you that you cannot do for yourself.” The way to find favor, Mark adds, is through obedience. When God gets the glory, we’ll be blessed beyond our abilities and resources.
Faith, Pastor Batterson notes, is the willingness to look foolish. In fact, he asserts, we’re foolish if we aren’t willing to look foolish! Fifty years ago, Mark reports, there was a devastating drought in the land of the Delta. A rural Mississippi church called an emergency prayer meeting because an entire season of crops was in jeopardy. Dozens of farmers showed up in traditional overalls- except for one. He wore waders. Why? Because he didn’t want to walk home wet. And he didn’t. Pastor Batterson asks, “Why not dress for the miracle?”
Obedience is hard work- and it gets harder. Furthermore, Pastor Batterson emphasizes that, regardless of the vision God gives us, it will take longer and be harder than we imagined. The author concludes:
“Going all out for God is not just about getting where God wants you to go. It’s about who you become in the process.”
Today’s question: How have you grown in your faith during your desert, transitional journey? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Our faith glasses”