2 Things You Need

God has a unique plan and purpose for your life. There's a work He wants you to do that no one can do quite like you.

Certain resources are essential for effectiveness and success in God's assignments for your life. You can't do what you need to do or accomplish what you need to accomplish without them. Two of these essentials are favor and wisdom.

In the Old Testament we find the story of a young man named Joseph. God had a plan and purpose for his life. God wanted to use Joseph to lead a nation through a time of trouble. He wanted to use Joseph to establish a safe haven for his family in the midst of terrible famine.

The story of Joseph's life is fascinating and very instructive. We see how the dream that called Joseph to his life purpose at 17 years of age was fulfilled many years later. Over these long years, God took this young man through all kinds of situations to break him, mold him, and transform his character. Joseph needed to develop the inner qualities that would make him ready to handle the responsibilities God assigned him.

After years of walking through refining circumstances designed by God to mature him, Joseph was prepared for his biggest God-given life assignment. He was ready to be used by God as a leader. Joseph was no longer driven by a dream, he was deeply dependent on his Lord.

The Bible is very specific about the qualities — the resources — that enabled Joseph to be effective and successful in his God-given assignment:

… And God gave him favor before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. God also gave Joseph unusual wisdom, so that Pharaoh appointed him governor over all of Egypt and put him in charge of the palace. — Acts 7:10 (NLT)

Note the two things God gave Joseph that gave him success: FAVOR and WISDOM.

Favor is the Greek word “charis.” It's the root word for the English term “charisma.” Favor is the gracious gift of influence, open doors, acceptance, prepared and paved pathways for building meaningful, strategic relationships and experiencing unprecedented positive opportunities. It comes from God and releases blessings to us that we could never accomplish or achieve by ourselves. When we see it and experience it, all we can do is appreciate it, praise and give God the glory for it.

Wisdom is deep insight, understanding, prudence and incisive perception. It's the right application of knowledge. This too is a gift from God. While we're told to work hard in gaining wisdom, it ultimately comes from God, who is the Source of all wisdom.

Joseph couldn't get his job done without God's favor and wisdom. Neither can we!

Ask God for these precious and important resources. Depend on Him for them. And as they come, give God all the praise and glory for them. Thank Him for the fruitfulness and effectiveness they bring to your responsibilities and work!

Here's a prayer for you:

“Dear Lord, I pray for your favor and wisdom to rest on us today. Help us to lean into you and on you. Grant us meaningful and strategic relationships to accomplish your will. Open doors for us that only you can open. By your favor, pave the pathway before us so that your purposes are fulfilled through our lives. Grant us the wisdom we need to do the work you want us to do. In Jesus' name. Amen.”

Dale O'Shields

For more information, visit the Church of the Redeemer's website.
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