God Has Smiled On Me

But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! 2 Corinthians 12: 9

The new buzz word of the day is FAVOR!  Preachers are preaching about it, singers are singing about it, and Christians are talking about it.  I'm not trying to throw a damper on this new found craze but this past Sunday I was reminded of a simple song that I used to sing in our Junior Choir at True Vine.  It was a simple song that said, "God has smiled on me.  He has set me free.  God has smiled on me.  He's been good to me". The song goes on to talk about God's Amazing Grace.  Grace that I did nothing to earn and that I don't deserve. Yet each and every morning I am afforded grace - God's unmerited favor.  His favor that has kept me and never left me.  It was through the eyes of the Lord that I came to know and understand that every thing I am and ever hope to be is only because God has smiled on me.  In those areas where I am weak, He stood up in me and matched my weaknesses with His strength.  I stopped feeling bad about those things I have no control over.  So when those circumstances come around now, I still have hope.  Hope that is not in my abilities but on the Most High God. 

When I look back over my life and see where God has brought me from, I can't help but praise Him.  This may sound a bit like a cliche to you, but you don't know my story.  And if you take a little bit of time right now and think about the goodness of the Lord and what He has done for you on this day, you should be shouting by now.  What about this past month?  This past year?  I dare you to make a list of the blessings that God has bestowed on your life this year.  Too often we get so wrapped up in our daily routines that we forget to thank God. Just like me, you have a story to tell.  And if it had not been for God on your side, where would you be?  When God smiles on you, He brings the sunshine to a cloudy day.  He opens those doors that have been closed in your face.  Feeling unloved and alone, He wraps His tender-loving arms around you and holds you tight.  Depressed, He brings you joy.  And let me remind you again that He does all these things just because He loves you.  You didn't earn it but the moment you  accepted Him as your personal Lord and Savior, He began to work on Your behalf.  Guiding your footsteps every day.  Sometimes this was not an easy process but the results were always amazing.  So whatever you call it whether you go new school and call it favor, or take it back to the James Cleveland days and start humming "God has smiled on me", just know that your blessings come from the Lord. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I just wanted to stop by and say 'thank you'.  I thank you just for smiling down on little ole' me.  I thank you for your grace and your mercy.  If it had not been for You on my side, where would I be.  Lord, help me not to take advantage of your blessings and to always be grateful.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.