From Hopscotch to Holiness

Growing In Favor With God And Man37Ruth found favor with God. Consider Ruth 2:13. “’May I continue to findfavor in your eyes, my lord,’ she said. ‘You have put me at ease by speakingkindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of yourservants.’” Ruth displayed a servant’s heart and a humble spirit. We knowthat “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (James 4:6)These attributes are keys to finding favor with God. Ruth’s prayer was thatshe would continue to walk in God’s favor throughout her life. We can live alifestyle of humility, while constantly receiving God’ favor.Mary, the mother of Jesus also found favor with God. Consider Luke 1:30.“But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favorwith God.’” Mary was chosen because of her submission to the Lord, aheart attitude that finds favor with God. We also see from Mary’s examplethat even if God calls us to unbelievably new and challenging ministry, weneed not be afraid. God’s favor and grace will sustain and equip us. Marygrew in favor with God as she faithfully lived out her calling and destiny.We can do likewise.FINDING FAVOR WITH PEOPLEThe early church found favor with God and favor with man. ConsiderActs 2:46-47. “Every day they continued to meet together in the templecourts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad andsincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Andthe Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Thisscripture shows us how God’s favor upon our lives will often spill overinto favor with people. The early church was being obedient to what Godcalled them to do. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and ministeringwith joy and thanksgiving. Awe came upon the church and signs andwonders were prevalent among all the believers. Even their enemiescould not find fault with their ministry. They were enjoying the goodwill