Bible in One Year

Friday, December  17, 2010
(Jer 24 - Jer 26)


Memorise: "And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies" (Psalm 105:24)

Read: Exodus 1:6-7 

There are certain signs to indicate that your time of divine favour has come. An unusual increase is usually a signal of something imminent which could be good or bad but will altogether work in favour of the one who loves God. One of my sons who is self employed kept asking God to enlarge his business and profits every year and it was so. After about six years, he asked God to give him an increase in that particular year that equates the profits he made for all previous years and God gave him. He made so much money that year but almost immediately, the Holy Spirit began to prepare his mind for a period of dryness and intense trial of his faith that eventually lasted about 12 years. Watch that unusual increase: it could be signalling an upcoming event. 

The exodus of the Israelites from a 430 year bondage was preceded by an unusual increase. Exodus 1:7 says, "And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them". The unusual multiplication of the Israelite family in Egypt pushed the Egyptians to envy and this propelled a national persecution. Israel grew so fast that Egypt became too small for them. It is only natural to contemplate relocation when your present residence is becoming too small. This signals a time of God's favour. It is during such a time that a once small business begins to blossom into a large conglomerate having branches in different countries of the world. Such increase compels the business owner to engage more hands, occupy a larger office complex and generate more profits. God was the brain behind Israel's unusual increase because He was preparing an army that would inhabit the promised land. Psalm 105:24 says, "And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies". For over 400 years, the children of Israel served as slaves but could not confront their oppressors to demand their wages or freedom. Then suddenly, boldness and strength came to them to the extent that apart from physical weapons, the Egyptians looked like weaklings to them: that was another sign. When your weaknesses are replaced with strength or you notice that any little thing you start suddenly becomes big, know that your time of divine favour to actualize your full potential has come. What are the indicators of the times of favour in your life? 

ACTION POINT:
Ask God for grace to be alert to discern the signs of your set time of favour.