When Life Surprises You—Finding Favor in the Unexpected - "Situational Favor"

Life has a way of throwing us off course when we least expect it. One day you’re steady, the next you’re wondering what just happened and where to go from here.

For Grace, a retiree seeking to reconnect with her spiritual roots, these moments are especially scary. The longing isn’t for a perfect life, but to have a foundational, consistent sense of God’s presence, both in the peaceful and the chaotic times.

This is where understanding of “Situational Favor” becomes important.

As Graham Cooke explains in his series “Constant Continuous Favor,” “favor” isn’t just about blessings when life is “happy as a kid in a candy store.” In fact, it’s when things get messy or uncertain that “favor” shines most brightly. It appears in the least likely places—during delays, confusion, or any time you’re left asking, “Where did this come from, or what now?”

While “Core Favor” is rooted in your identity in Christ,
                                         “Situational Favor”
is God’s way of stepping ahead of you, preparing something good in the very space that feels empty or overwhelming.

It’s as if God is quietly saying, “I knew this was coming, and I’ve already set something in place to ‘favor’ you.”

He’s not surprised by your confusion or detours. His favor is already there—maybe it’s peace, clarity, or a new opportunity—waiting for you to notice despite the circumstances.

To recognize this favor? Graham suggests asking questions like:

• “Lord, when You went ahead of me here, what did You see?”
• “What favor have You placed here for me?”
• “If You were seeing through my eyes, what would You notice?”

This shift in perspective invites you to pause, expect God’s favorable intentions, and acknowledge His presence in unexpected ways.

“Favor” doesn’t always look like a dramatic turnaround; sometimes it’s:
.  a quiet patience you never experienced or expressed,
. a timely encounter, someone presented you with a great
option or
. a strength which enabled you to stand no matter what, and
you didn’t know YOU could.

For Grace—and for anyone on a similar journey—we have ALL been here. This isn’t about slowing down, but about awakening to the "favor" that has always been present!

Age, timing, or past mistakes don’t limit God’s "favor". As your awareness and trust deepen, you’ll start to see evidence of His favor all around you regardless.

When life gets confusing and chaotic, remember these steps:
1.  Pause and pray: “God, what’s Your best for me here?”
2. Look higher: focus on God’s promises, not just the problem.
3. Write down moments of "favor"—they’ll mean more over time.

Isaiah 41:10 offers comfort: “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.” God’s "favor" might not always change your situation, but it will shift how YOU see it and your awareness of it.

You don’t have to work for this "favor"—just stand, expect it, believe it will be, and His favor will meet you wherever you are.

Take the step forward NOW through the “Constant Continuous Favor”
series by Graham Cooke and walk with "The Power of Creation."

Summary by— JB Brogdon, July 9, 2025
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