Friday, December 2, 2011

Highly Favored

The pinkish tinge inched its way up the morning sky. The lake was mostly still, stirred ever so slightly by the first breezes of the day and the occasional ripples as geese glided effortlessly across the lake.


I wept at the overwhelming beauty in front of me, the presence of the Lord as tangible and enveloping as the fog in a distant cove.

I whispered, “Who am I, Lord, that you would show me such favor?”

Ancient words pierced my thoughts. “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” (Luke 1:28 NKJV)

My response was, “But God, those words were for Mary, the mother of Jesus, not for one as unworthy as me.”

He replied, “She was chosen to carry my Son in her womb. You were fashioned to carry Him in your heart.”

Highly favored. Chosen. Called by the Creator of the universe. Purposed for His work.

Do you join Mary in asking, “How will this be?” (Luke 1:34 NIV)

Hear the reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you…the power of the Most High will overshadow you….For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:35, 37 NIV)

“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” (Luke 1:45 NIV)

Lord, we are in awe of Your love.  Thank You for choosing us.  Thank You for Your Spirit that dwells within us, and for the power that He bestows.  Accomplish Your will in us.

While at the NCompass Writer's Retreat this fall, I was overcome with the Lord's goodness and His words to me. I shared this message in our worship time that morning. One of our hosts, Edie Melson, asked if I'd write it out and guest post on her website back in October. As we approach the Advent season, I felt compelled to bring those words back to light.  May you savor His favor today.

6 comments:

Susan said...

You know how this spoke to me at the retreat, and it's a message that still rings in my ears.

I remember being so impressed that you shared that the very first morning we were together. We (the group) didn't really know each other very well, and you could have easily retreated into your shell and kept it to yourself. I'm so grateful you didn't!!

I needed to hear this message this morning ;)

Kristi Butler said...

Oh my friend, you are surely highly favored...and called...and used by Him mightily!!!
Love you!

cara said...

Beautiful my friend. I did not know what favor meant until you became my friend. Thank you for teaching me about God's favor and for writing about it. Your light always refreshes -- keep writing. The dry season is always followed by refreshing rains...love you. c

Kristi Butler said...

Thanks, Cara!! God has shown favor to me through precious friends!! I love having you walk this road of life with me!!
Love you!

Dixie Phillips said...

Most beautiful devotion I've ever read. THANK YOU, my sweet "forever" friend.

Kristi Butler said...

Dear sweet Dixie, you are so kind. God is so personal and speaks to us in such love.

So thankful for you, my friend!
Hugs!