You have probably heard that expression. But who do you think God's favourite children are?
Those for whom everything always works out?
Those who never have problems?
Those with billions? Celebrities?
Sometimes, when facing difficult situations, you may be tempted to think:
- You are only here to watch others succeed.
- You suffer too much.
- You face too many difficulties.
- Strange things only happen to you.
- You are not one of God's favourite children…
But who are God's favourite children, really?
Do you know the apostle Paul? He is traditionally associated with many of the letters in the New Testament, the Word of God.
If asked whether Paul was one of God's favourite children, you would surely answer yes!
Now let us read what he says about himself:
“Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.”
2 Corinthians 11:24–28.
Have you ever been betrayed? Paul was too.
Have you ever lacked food, drink or clothing? So did Paul!
Did that make him less loved by God? Certainly not! Among the apostles, he was one of those who reached the most territories and brought many souls to Christ.
He says in 1 Corinthians 15:10: “By the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”
Let us be clear: we are not glorifying suffering or promoting a gospel of poverty in opposition to a gospel of prosperity.
But Paul, whose writings are read so frequently in church, reveals something powerful in Romans 8:18:
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
What? Is suffering a good thing? 😁
The cross you carry, if you carry it to the end, can open a door to glory!
Let us say it again: the cross you carry can open a door to glory if you carry it to the end!
My spiritual mentor, Founder Daniel ACKAH, puts it simply: “The way of the cross, the way of glory.”
I could say so much more, but this is getting long 🤦🏽♂️🚶🏾♂️…
There is something essential to understand and discern if we are to receive God's grace more fully:
Every reality carries meaning, substance, a message, a mission and a purpose!
As a child of God, what you live through and experience carries a message for you, and potentially for people around you!
Unlike development promises that always seem to remain on the horizon, God's plans for your life are carefully considered, planned and carried out towards their fulfilment.
When you understand this, you will see that no one is more God's favourite child than you!
Daniel, Joseph, Moses, Jeremiah, Mary… and who could be more beloved of God than Jesus?
Yet do you know the trials they endured? Should we conclude that God did not love them?
An action for today
Stop complaining and begin thanking God in every situation, even the most unpleasant ones.
A prayer for today
Lord my God, two thousand years ago Your Son Jesus Christ paid the price for my salvation and my joy in You.
I thank You because this touches both spiritual and physical life. Thank You for the glory now revealed in my life, drawing more of Your children to You, in Jesus' name! Say Amen with me!