Prayers of the Bibleनमुना

How do you think you gain favor from the Lord?

The other day, I saw a post on Instagram that read, “Favor from the Lord will get you further in life than hustling will.”

As followers of Jesus, we know this is true. We know that God can bless us abundantly. He can heal, open doors in business, provide finances, create opportunities, do the impossible, and answer our prayers.

And yet, too often, we buy into the world’s thinking and believe hustling is more powerful than prayer.

In today’s reading, it says, “Favor has been shown by the LORD our God.” But when you read this passage, you’ll find that favor is only given to the repentant—those who hate sin and care deeply about the glory and goodness of God.

Like grace, favor cannot be earned; it must be given.

And yet, like grace, God loves to pour out His favor on the humble and repentant.

James 4:10 reminds us: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

Today, be inspired by Ezra’s prayer.

Today, ponder this:

Are you seeking God’s favor through humility and repentance, or are you relying on your own hustle?