To experience God’s underserved favor on the deep level He wants us to, we need a solid understanding of how it works. We received grace when we got born again, and it will certainly be waiting for us in heaven, but there’s no reason why we can’t experience it right now. It’s available for us when we need it in our daily lives. It all starts with Jesus Christ.

Through Him, we have our introduction by faith into grace, which is the state of God’s favor, in which we firmly stand. What we believe—not what we do—ushers us into grace. To be privileged is to have an advantage over others; as believers, we receive privileges we don’t deserve.

Accepting Jesus lets Him add a whole new dimension to living. He teaches us things we need to know for our spiritual growth and success, walks us through difficult times, and makes us stronger and more resilient afterward. Paul experienced this firsthand. He wrote to the Corinthians that whatever He had become, it was all because God poured out His special favor on him, independent of his hard work; the results weren’t due to him, but to God working through him by His grace.

Paul had his weak moments, but found strength that wasn’t his. God’s grace was all he needed, because His power works best in weakness. This applies to us as well; we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us. This gives us a tremendous advantage over people who live by relying on their own efforts.

Despite what we have, we must avoid becoming proud if we want God’s favor to show up when we need it. He resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Unlike life under the law, we no longer have to work hard to receive from Him. This raises our ordinary lives to the supernatural realm.

Prayer:

God, the new covenant under which we now live transforms our lives into something extraordinary. We’ll never have to go through life alone, because You’re walking beside us every step of the way. Thank You for this. In Jesus’ name, amen.   

Scriptures:

Romans 5:2, AMPC

1 Corinthians 15:10, NLT 

2 Corinthians 12:9, NLT

Philippians 4:13, NKJV

James 4:6