This week is brought to you by the letter F. What I thought would be a season of repair and recovery has become a battlefield, reminding me that “I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” [Psalm 27v13] I struggled with a word, and so I'm late sending this email (it usually goes out earlier this afternoon), but God knows. And I trust His timing.  

The f-word — well, what could I say? I'll keep it Christian 😂 There were so many that came to mind — forgetful, forgive, forge, frustrated, failed. As I am working to recover after major surgery there have been a handful of unexpected situations that arose. One big f-word that rose to the top was my FEELINGS — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

And so the letter of the week is F, and the word is favor. 

Favor is an interesting word because it can come across as entitlement. “I'm the favorite.” However, on a deep, personal level — you are His favorite. I am His favorite. He has bestowed a favor on us that surpasses frustration, failings, and forgetfulness.

The Lord kindly nudged me to remember a significant passage that Jesus quoted. Our Savior was human and had FEELINGS. And in the midst of a chaotic crowd, Jesus boldly declared this truth to His followers, friends, enemies, curious bystanders, and soon-to-be betrayers.

[The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61v1-3]

In the throes of pain, suffering, sabotage, and betrayal — Jesus gets it. He lived it. And He gives us a favor that trumps it all. Favor that is intimate and holy — for you and for me. Today. 

Share this email with someone who needs to be reminded, “You are God's favorite!” 💖

grateful