Smith Wigglesworth, a prominent figure in 20th-century Pentecostalism, is renowned for his powerful faith and demonstrations of God's miraculous power. While his life is filled with accounts of healings and supernatural acts, a core tenet of his ministry revolved around the concept of divine favor – experiencing God's immeasurable kindness and blessing. This exploration delves into Wigglesworth's teachings on divine favor, exploring how he understood and experienced it, and how we can tap into this abundant grace.
What is Divine Favor According to Smith Wigglesworth?
For Wigglesworth, divine favor wasn't merely good fortune or luck; it was a tangible, active relationship with God characterized by His overflowing kindness and blessing. He believed that God's favor wasn't earned but freely given as a result of our faith and obedience. It wasn't about manipulating God through religious rituals, but about aligning our hearts and lives with His will. This alignment opened the door for God's abundant blessings to flow freely into every area of our lives – our health, finances, relationships, and spiritual growth. It was a constant state of being blessed, not merely a sporadic occurrence.
How Did Smith Wigglesworth Experience Divine Favor?
Wigglesworth’s life serves as a testament to the reality of divine favor. He wasn't born into wealth or privilege; his early life was marked by hardship. However, through unwavering faith and a steadfast devotion to God, he experienced remarkable breakthroughs. He saw countless healings, witnessed miraculous provision, and experienced a deep, abiding joy that stemmed from his close walk with God. His accounts of overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges through faith underscore the power of living under God's favor. He didn't merely preach about it; he lived it.
How Can We Experience Divine Favor Like Smith Wigglesworth?
While we may not all experience the same level of miraculous manifestations as Wigglesworth, we can cultivate a life lived under God’s favor by emulating his principles:
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Unwavering Faith: Wigglesworth possessed an unshakeable belief in God's power and promises. He didn't doubt God's ability to act; he simply expected Him to. This unwavering faith was the foundation upon which his life of divine favor was built.
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Obedience to God's Word: He diligently studied and obeyed God's Word, believing it to be the ultimate guide for living a life pleasing to God. This obedience opened the channels of blessing and favor.
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Persistent Prayer: Prayer was a constant in Wigglesworth's life. He understood the power of persistent, heartfelt communication with God, recognizing it as a crucial element in experiencing His favor.
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Living a Life of Love and Service: Wigglesworth's ministry was characterized by selfless love and service to others. He demonstrated God's love through compassion and action, understanding that acts of kindness are integral to experiencing God's favor.
What are the Signs of Experiencing Divine Favor?
Experiencing God's favor often manifests in various ways, including:
- Unexpected blessings: Sudden opportunities, financial provision, or breakthroughs in challenging situations.
- Open doors: Opportunities presenting themselves that seemed impossible before.
- Peace and joy: An inner contentment and peace that surpasses understanding.
- God's protection: Guidance and protection from harm or danger.
- Spiritual growth: Increasing intimacy with God, a deeper understanding of His Word, and a strengthened faith.
How Does Divine Favor Relate to God's Blessing?
Divine favor and God's blessing are intricately linked. Divine favor is the overarching umbrella under which God's blessings flow. It is the state of being in right relationship with God, where His kindness and grace are freely given. Blessings, then, are the tangible manifestations of that favor – the specific ways God chooses to show His love and provision.
Is Divine Favor Only for Certain People?
No, divine favor is available to all who believe and seek it. It is not reserved for a select few but is offered freely to everyone who turns to God with a sincere heart and a willingness to follow Him. Wigglesworth's life demonstrates that God's favor is available to all who seek Him, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Smith Wigglesworth's life stands as a powerful example of the transformative power of experiencing God's favor. By studying his life and emulating his faith, we can cultivate a relationship with God characterized by His overflowing blessings and kindness, shaping our lives to reflect His abundant grace.
