Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Luke 1:30  But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. Genesis 6:8 NKJV

I woke up this morning with a portion of the song, “your grace still amazes me” repeating again and again. When we think about our own sinfulness, our minds quickly flow toward grace, and for good reason. The first mention of God’s gracious favor is in regards to Noah. Is God’s grace and favor random? What part do we play in positioning ourselves to be recipients of God’s grace?

In Genesis  we read that God created mankind, but the influence of sin made wickedness abound. In the backdrop of this incredible wickedness in which God would destroy all living, God would start over with a man named Noah, which actually means rest. Grace shows up when wickedness is abundant. 

In John 8, Jesus encounters a woman thrown at his feet that had just been caught in the act of adultery. In the end of the story, Jesus is left standing alone with the woman. “Woman where are those who have condemned and accused you?” Jesus asked. “They are all gone” she replied. “Neither do I condemn you (the extension of grace), go and leave your life of sin.” 

Grace is not for the perfect, but for the imperfect. Grace anticipates a change in behavior, but does not demand it like the Law. Grace leads to a renewal in relationships. When you have really screwed your life up, you are in the best position to be a recipient of God’s grace and favor.

In the next verse  of Noah’s story we read, These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God. Gen 6:9. God’s gracious favor is connected with a man who “walked with God”.  Noah interacted with God and was obedient to God’s wishes. Grace and walking closely with God are the norm.

May you experience God’s gracious favor in abundance. May you experience favor in God’s sight. May you walk so closely with Him that you can hear His heart beat of love for the lost and messed up people in our world.

Blessings Love y’all