The other day, I went to a Chinese auction, completely not expecting to go to one when I had woken up that morning. It was my mom’s ticket, but she was unable to go, so she gave it to me for free. Since I’d had a panic attack at work, I wasn’t sure I’d be up to going. But my sister was going, and one of our good friends was hosting the event, so I slid out of my comfy pants, put on my jeans, and drove twenty minutes to the auction.
I didn’t want to stay at home and “rest,” because I’ve learned that just because I’m home doesn’t mean I’m resting. I’ll find stuff to do, like wash the dishes, put clothes away, or organize my closet. As a matter of fact, while I was listening to a podcast about how to deal with burnout as a writer, I was putting clothes away! There was no way I was going to get any rest at home, so I figured that a little getaway might be good for me.
When I finally found my sister in the crowds, we caught up, put our stuff down, and placed our tickets for the auction. For those who have never been to a Chinese auction, there are multiple prizes you can win. When you walk through the door, they hand you a sheet full of about twenty tickets. You can place as many tickets as you want in the box/bag for whatever prize catches your eye. They had some nice prizes, so I put a handful of tickets in a couple of good ones.
Although I wasn’t set on winning any particular prize, my sister had her eye on this kitchenware set that contained bowls, servers, and plates. I imagined her winning this prize, and seeing the excited look on her face putting it into her car.
Finally, it was time to give away the prizes. We excitedly held our tickets and leaned over the top step. Our friend read each ticket number, and no matter who won, my sister and I clapped for them. Then, we reached a prize where I had put in a couple of tickets. Wow, wouldn’t it be great if I won? Long story short, that night, I won not one, not two, not three, but four times! I felt so guilty that I had won multiple times, especially because I was only allowed at the event because of a sheet of tickets that my mom paid for me (and a sheet of tickets my sister also paid for me).
Anyway, that night, I learned about the favor of God. We don’t deserve it, but when we receive it, we receive it with gratitude and praise. Sure, I strategically placed the tickets in, but I wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for my mom giving me the ticket. People were criticizing me, which reminds me that people might make me feel guilty for having the blessings that God has given me.
Oh, and by the way, my sister did get that prize. And despite all four prizes I won, the best was seeing the look on her face and hearing her excited squeal as she ran over to receive her prize. I imagine that’s why God loves to bless us. He loves it when we show gratitude for what He has given us. He loves to show us favor.
Romans 8:28 tells us that God works everything out for the good of those who love Him. God’s favor means that in each and every situation, He is looking out for our best interest. It’s amazing to me that God can have both our individual situations and His grand design for the universe in mind.
As I’ll share more next week, the favor of God does not always look the way that we expect. The day after the Chinese auction, my husband and I woke up to no hot water, and snow coming down fast and hard while I had to bring him to work early. I know I have no right to complain when there are people around the world without hot water, cars, or jobs, but when I’d a wonderful experience like I had the other day, and then the next day I’d hit all those road blocks, I started to wonder, Was I wrong about God’s favor? Next week, I’ll be sharing more about what I’ve learned. Until then, share your thoughts below:
What does the favor of God look like to you? Where have you seen God’s favor in your life?
Photo by Fancycrave on Unsplash
Elisabeth Warner 