Find Favor with God

"I became a minister according to the gift
of the grace of God given to me
by the effective working of His power."

Ephesians 3:7

A college student shared his testimony at a Sunday morning worship service. He said, "I didn't grow up in a Christian family. I had absolutely no interest in becoming a Christian. While driving on a long trip, I was looking for a radio program to help pass the time. I heard a voice on the radio talking about God changing the lives of people. He got my attention. The more I listened, the more interested I became. Driving on the interstate highway, I invited Jesus Christ into my life. When I got into my car for the trip, I was not a Christian. When I arrived at my destination, I got out of the car knowing my life had been changed. That's called grace, and you would have to experience it to know what I'm saying. It's finding favor with God."

The apostle Paul gave his testimony in our verse for today. He also was on the road when his life was changed. On the road to Damascus, Christ was revealed to him in a dramatic way. Paul also used the word grace to describe that change in his life. Grace means the unmerited favor of God. Grace is God's gift. Grace is God's favor.

We can't earn favor with God. We don't deserve it. It's the gift of God for us through Jesus Christ our Lord. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). God's favor is all of grace.

A preacher once asked a man if he was a Christian. The man said, "I try to be. I'm trying my best everyday." The preacher said, "Well, quit. Quit trying to be a Christian. I have good news for you. It's all about the gift of God in Christ, and that's called grace." Are you trying to be a Christian? Well, quit. Receive favor with God in Christ. He alone can change our lives, and that's the power of grace.

God, we receive Your favor through faith in Jesus Christ.