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It was the first time I’d ever been invited to the publisher’s dinner during the biggest Christian book event of the year. I was so honored. I was especially looking forward to visiting with my favorite editor. We’d become good friends after working together on eight books, and I was hoping there would be more. So, I bought a new dress, and I prayed for God’s goodness and favor.
“I’m only one of two authors invited to tonight’s shindig,” I whispered to my husband as we entered the fancy dining room. “This is so exciting.”
Then, just as we headed to our seats, which were clearly marked with name cards, I saw the other invited author switching name cards. When we arrived at the table, she had conveniently put her name card next to my favorite editor and placed mine where hers had once been. I couldn’t believe it!
I wanted to switch them back. I wanted to put her in her place. I wanted to do a lot of things—none of which were godly.
“It’ll be all right,” my husband assured.
God’s Goodness Revealed
We sat at our newly assigned seats, and I visited with the witty older gentleman to my right. I never caught his name, but my husband and I really enjoyed the man’s company. He was a hoot! I didn’t get to talk with my favorite editor at all…until the following day at my book signing.
“Well, you made quite an impression last night,” she said.
“With whom?”
“With the CEO of our publishing house…that’s the man you were talking with all night,” she explained. “He wants to fly you to headquarters to meet about future projects…nice work.”
As I stood there, pondering her words, I couldn’t help but smile. I had prayed for God’s goodness and favor, and that’s what I had received.
Grace Defined
God’s grace is most accurately defined as undeserved favor, and that’s exactly what I experienced the night when the name cards were changed.
Someone once said that one touch of God’s favor is worth a lifetime of labor, and I can wholeheartedly say, “Amen” to that truth. You see, that one conversation with a man who turned out to be an important person in publishing, was a life-changing moment in my career.
I could never have made that happen. I’m pretty sure I didn’t do anything spectacular to deserve it. Bottom line? God simply wrapped me in His goodness, and I am forever grateful.
And here’s the best news—He will do the same for you. That’s what the Word says: “Then Peter replied, ‘I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism.’” (Acts 10:34, NLT) In other words, we are all God’s favorite child. We are all walking in the F.O.G.
Walking in the F.O.G.
Have you ever heard that expression? It stands for, “Walking in the Favor Of God.” Every single day we experience God’s goodness and His unmerited favor—we just don’t always recognize it. I don’t credit “coincidence” for anything good that happens in my life—small or big. Instead, when I get to the gym and my favorite treadmill is open, I thank God for His goodness. Or, when I’m running late for an appointment and I hit every single light green, I praise God for His favor.
Have you ever intentionally looked for God’s goodness and His favor in your life? If not, why not start today? Keep a favor journal, thanking Him for His goodness in your life.
Resources for Seeing God’s Goodness
Here’s something else to make you more favor-minded: Read Favor: The Road to Success, by Bob Buess. It’s a powerful little book. And here are two of my favorite favor Scriptures you can meditate on and possibly memorize.
“Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12 (NIV)
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17 (NIV)
Start recognizing God’s goodness in your life and take time to praise Him for it! Soon you’ll see the F.O.G. rolling in…
Listen now to a short segment of an Abide meditation based on Psalm 90:17. Let God speak to your heart about His goodness and favor to you.
For more help understanding the goodness of God check out the Abide app, where our 1500+ biblical meditations all exist to help you . Use this link for 25% off a premium subscription, giving you access to all our sleep stories plus much more.
Michelle is a New York Times best-selling ghostwriter, an inspirational speaker, and the award-winning author of more than 100 books including: The Christmas Devotional, They Call Me Mom, Cuddle-Up Prayers, and Love Connects Us All to name a few. Learn more at www.michellemedlockadams.com
