Can a Person Lose God's Favor and Protection?

One of the most tragic events in the life of Israel’s first king was the loss of God’s favor and protection. He lost these by deliberately failing to follow God’s rules. God withdrew his spirit because of Saul’s defiance. Saul chose to pursue what was in conflict with God’s plan and purpose.

As an adolescent Joseph Stalin was preparing to be a priest and servant of God, but under the influence of Vladimir Lenin he rejected God’s calling. Stalin threw away God’s blessing and protection and died an old man suffering from severe mood swings and a troubled soul.

After removing his favor and protection from Saul, God chose David to replace Saul – not because he was perfect, but because he was faithful. 

Choosing to follow God even when it’s difficult creates contentment and security. With God’s favor and blessing, strength to manage each day’s troubles is available. The joy of the Lord can be your strength.           

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After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

~1 Peter 5:10 English Standard Version

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How Does Emotional Maturity Affect a Relationship

Compatibility is a requirement for securing relationships. It provides the incentive for commitment to grow. Infatuation may draw a couple together, but compatibility binds their hearts together. Mutual love for each other builds faithfulness and loyalty.

A crucial factor determining compatibility is emotional maturity. 

Maturity does not always correspond to the chronological age. Some children possess maturity well beyond their age while some adults may never mature. Relationships fail when an imbalance exists between maturity and expectations.

Maturity is synonymous with being able to fulfill responsibilities, like meeting the emotional and physical needs of others. How is maturity obtained? Listen to James 1:4: “You must learn to endure hardships so that you will be completely mature, not lacking anything.” Sacrifice and suffering promote maturity, so do not give up.              

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And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you.

~1 Peter 5:10 Revised Standard Version

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Trusting God's All-Sufficient Competence

What do you consider your most urgent need at this moment? Some of you would say financial need if there is not enough money to take care of necessities. Others would say healing for medical or emotion problems that are scary and critical. Relationship problems can evolve into a crisis.

Managing urgent needs one at a time can be accomplished, but encountering several simultaneously can be disconcerting. The old cliché, “Troubles often come in batches,” can be true. Medical problems can create financial problems, which compound the stress and strain experienced by the entire family.

One stress-reducer is trusting God’s all-sufficient competence. One name for God is El Shaddai. Listen to Philippians 4:19. "My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." God will help regardless of the way your needs are defined. Present your needs to Christ Jesus right now and trust him to help.       

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And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.   

~1 Peter 5:10 English Standard Version

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Turning Back to God

Difficult and uncertain times call for confidence, not so much in our own strength and power but rather in God's desire to help. Confidence to grow and mature to manage challenging times can be a struggle if we fade from dependency on God and trust only in our socio-economic status and personal power to supply our needs.

This is a dangerous choice if it means facing every crisis in your own strength and power without God’s help. When confidence fades and hardships prevail, turn back to God. Isaiah 30:15 offers encouragement. "Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved. Let quietness and confidence be your strength."

Believe these words for they will help you depend on the strength and power of God, who gives you strength and wisdom to believe and trust in him. He asks you to love him with all of your strength regardless of how small that may be. God will honor this and cause it to grow and mature.                         

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The Lord God is waiting to show how kind he is and to have pity on you. The Lord always does right; he blesses those who trust him.

~Isaiah 30:18 Contemporary English Version

 

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.  

~1 Peter 5:10 New International Version

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