Finding Favor Among Our Friends
By: Faith Berens on December 25, 2023
“Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2: 13-14).
We enter the scene of the Christmas story outside of Bethlehem where a group of lowly shepherd friends are out in their fields, doing their humble work of tending to and protecting the sheep. That holy night, the shepherds encountered God’s heavenly armies and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded the shepherds.
The shepherd friends received the good news of great joy and then together, they set off on the journey to seek the Redeemer. The shepherds were awe-struck by all the angel had declared and promised to accomplish through Messiah Jesus, the Savior of the world. Like the shepherds, we too can be open and receptive to herald God’s grace and favor among our friends, and within our spheres of influence.
It was an important job, shepherding, but these weren’t caring for “average” sheep. These shepherds were tasked with caring for very special sheep that were ultimately to be dedicated as sacrificial lambs in the temple. God chose to announce His favor, or gracious kindness, to these humble shepherds!
The shepherds’ work was no doubt dirty, tiring, and physically taxing. I imagine at times the shepherds felt their work went unnoticed or unappreciated by others. Can you relate? Do you ever get tired while tending your “flocks” in your “fields”? I know I do. As a work from home wife and mother of two, sometimes I believe a lie from the enemy that my efforts are not that significant. Thankfully, through a posse of faith-filled friends, I find the favor of God and encouragement to not give up. Maybe you are in a season of feeling weary, unseen, or unappreciated. Rest assured, dear friend, that God looks on you with favor when you faithfully tend what He has entrusted to you.
Like the shepherds, we too can be open and receptive to herald God’s grace and favor among our friends, and within our spheres of influence.
The Bible states in Hebrews 1:14 that “angels are ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.” This past year, God showed me His favor by sending me a “ministering angel” in the form of a new friend. I prayed specifically for a new friend in our new community and God was faithful to answer in His perfect timing, in such a creative way. This dear friend invited me to help start and facilitate a Christian women’s book club. How did she know how much I love to read and enjoy fellowship, as well as encouraging other women? That’s God’s favor! What joy and encouragement this new friend and others I have met through her have become. She has also “pushed” me out of my comfort zone and is being used by God to help me grow.
This Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, may the radiance of God’s glory, the Creator of all things, the Prince of Peace, surround us and dwell within us. I pray you will find His favor through receiving new friends He brings into your life. I encourage you to ask God how He might use you in a fresh way, or in a new field, amongst friends, to be a ministering angel reflecting His love and grace to others. Like the shepherds, may we encourage one another and share His favor among our friends and loved ones!