God Controls the Outcome

How do you gain favor in bad situations? It’s easy! You trust and obey God. Sometimes God uses you to save others, and sometimes He uses others to save you. We can never understand the fullness of His reasons, but we need to trust it even if the situation turns dire. You may be the reason some people are thriving.

I look back at my life, and I have been in some shady situations. I know myself and the people around me only made it out by the grace of God. Maybe the favor on my life saved us, but there was no doubt it was God.

I grew up in a rough neighborhood, and even when God delivered me from it, I found a way to get in the middle of trouble. I caused a lot of my problems. I remember when I was falsely accused and facing legal troubles, God used my cousins (who were not Christians) to save and help me in my time of need. God allowed me to have supernatural favor with them, and they were able to help me. What the devil meant for evil, God turned it around for my good. The charges were dropped, and my record was clean. God cleared my name, and I learned a huge lesson about being with the wrong people. God spared my life, maybe to do what I am doing now—sharing my testimony to bless someone else’s life.

In Acts 27:27-44, Paul was the reason everyone on a shipwreck survived. He was favored and blessed, so those around him received the blessing. 

“The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way, everyone reached land safely.” (Acts 27:42-44 NIV)

Paul's wisdom from God helped keep them stay alive. The soldier didn’t understand, but God was using him. Even if you are with people who don’t know Jesus, God can use them. He may give you favor with them to save your life and to be a testimony to someone else. Paul was spared to save another. Know that your life is not your own. God controls all things for His will. How cool that we get to be part of His story!

Prayer: How comforting it is, Lord God, to be reminded that You use whoever and whatever's necessary to bring about Your good and perfect will. Help us to give You the trust You deserve in all circumstances of our lives. You are a good, good Father! Amen.

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Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.