In Acts 11:23 Barnabus, ‘Saw the grace of God, and was glad.’ God’s grace at work amongst them was readily observable. When God’s goodness towards us far exceeds our deservedness – that’s favor!

1. Before we can walk with God we have to spend some-time waiting on God  

Psalm 42:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”

Ex 24:12-18 “Come up to Me on the mountain and be there.” Moses waited there seven days before God said anything to him.

Acts 13:2-3 “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Through waiting on the Lord and fasting they received, “Holy Spirit-directed and empowered service.”

Isa 30:18 “Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; ….Blessed are all those who wait for Him.”

Isa 64:4 “God….who acts for the one who waits for Him.”

2. The Lord waits for you to wait, so that He can be gracious to you.

This truth is also expressed in Psalm 37: 4-5: “Delight yourself also in the Lord [Our part] and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” [God’s part]. “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, [Our Part] and He shall bring it to pass.” [God’s part].

When we do our part, God will do His part, and we will experience a continuous flow of His grace and favor.

3. Waiting on God during tough times works Transformation and Maturity in us.

Is 50:10 “Who among you fears the Lord? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely upon his God.”

“Lord, I don’t understand what’s happening, it doesn’t seem right, it doesn’t seem fair, but I trust you. I will do my best and trust God for the rest.” This is when transformation and maturity work in us. (Rom 8:28)

Charles Spurgeon said, “God is too good to be unkind, He is too wise to be confused, and if I cannot trace His hand, I can always trust His heart.”

4. Waiting on God is a very positive and rewarding practice:

Isa 40:31 “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

Wow! New Strength, Fresh Perspective, and New Endurance. What a deal! Count me in!

2018 is our year of Grace and Favor
Dr George Hill
Apostolic Founder and President of Victory Churches International