Undeserved Favour

Call to Prayer

Title: Undeserved Favour

By: Daniel Peter

Date: 05.09.2023

Last of all, as though to one born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been in vain. In fact, I worked harder than all of them – yet not I, but the grace of God with me. 1 Corinthians 15: 8‭-‬10 NET

We live in a world that is competitive, where you only get what you deserve. Because of the reality of the world we live in, it’s difficult for some to understand the grace of God. Though God rewards our efforts in seeking Him, we are usually undeserving of what He gives. He does this so we can praise His grace (Eph. 1:6). Understanding this aspect of God will help us to develop the heart posture that would cause us to always be at the receiving end of His grace (His Favour).

The human nature seeks to boast of it’s achievements; it wants to be glorified for whatever it accomplishes. This unruly nature of man would make him think less of others, despising them, because his achievements or attainment would make him believe he is better than others. God considers this as pride, and it informs His decision for choosing the least, “so that no one may boast before him (1 Cor. 1:28-29)”. Being the least is less about what we are outwardly, but the disposition of our heart. It’s a state where we consider ourselves unworthy for what He has chosen us for, which will help us to appreciate His kindness towards us.

God is the one who develops that heart posture in us, through the circumstances surrounding His demonstration of His kindness to us, and the processes He takes us through. For example, Apostle Paul encountered Jesus Christ at the very point that he was persecuting His Church. After his conversion, God gave him the grace to preach His Gospel to the Gentiles (Eph. 3:8-12). Seeing this act of God at a time he was most unworthy, He could say “I am unworthy to be called an Apostle (1 Cor. 15:8-10)”, when making reference to the exploits of grace in His life. Again, the reason He took the children of Israel through the wilderness is so that they would gain the heart of humility (Deut. 8:3).

Being able to see your unworthiness and the greatness of God’s kindness will help you develop a heart of appreciation for the things He gives, and it will give you access to more undeserved favour.

Prayer Point

Let’s thank God for His word today. Let’s ask Him to help us see our unworthiness and the greatness of His kindness towards us, so we can can appreciate Him for the things He gives and have access to more of His favour we do not deserve.