FAVOURED BUT TROUBLED

FAVOURED BUT TROUBLED

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 1:28-30

Key Verse: “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” — Luke 1:30

Supporting Texts: Psalm 34:19, Isaiah 41:10, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Romans 8:28, John 16:33

Description: Being favoured by God does not eliminate moments of confusion, but His presence sustains and reassures through every uncertainty.

INTRODUCTION

The concept of divine favour is often associated with ease, success, and visible blessings. Many believers assume that once they are favoured by God, life will automatically become smooth and free from challenges. However, Scripture reveals a different reality; being favoured by God does not exempt one from moments of confusion, fear, or uncertainty.

In Luke 1:28-30, Mary was greeted as one who was highly favoured, yet her immediate response was one of trouble and deep contemplation. She was troubled at the saying and cast in her mind what manner of salutation it should be. This shows that divine encounters can sometimes bring questions before they bring clarity.

Understanding this truth helps believers maintain faith even in seasons of uncertainty. God’s favour does not remove challenges, but it guarantees His presence, guidance, and ultimate victory. When properly understood, being favoured but troubled becomes a pathway to deeper faith and divine manifestation.

1. DIVINE FAVOUR DOES NOT ELIMINATE HUMAN EMOTIONS

Even when God’s favour is upon you, you may still experience natural human reactions such as fear, doubt, or confusion.

a) Mary Was Troubled at the Greeting (Luke 1:29)
Despite being highly favoured, Mary was troubled. This shows that divine favour does not suppress natural emotional responses.

b) Fear Can Accompany Divine Encounters (Luke 1:30)
The angel had to reassure Mary not to fear. Moments of divine intervention can initially feel overwhelming.

c) God Understands Human Weakness (Psalm 103:14)
God knows our frame and remembers that we are dust. He does not condemn us for our initial reactions.

d) Emotional Response Is Not Sin (John 11:35)
Jesus Himself wept, showing that expressing emotions does not contradict faith.

Biblical Example: Gideon questioned the angel despite being called a mighty man of valour, showing initial doubt even in divine favour (Judges 6:12-15).

2. DIVINE FAVOUR CAN INTRODUCE UNEXPECTED SITUATIONS

God’s favour can lead you into unfamiliar and challenging circumstances that require faith and trust.

a) Unexpected Assignments (Luke 1:31)
Mary was given an assignment she never anticipated. Divine favour often introduces unexpected responsibilities.

b) Disruption of Personal Plans (Proverbs 16:9)
Human plans may be altered when God’s purpose takes precedence.

c) Situations Beyond Human Understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9)
God’s ways are higher than ours, and His plans may not always make immediate sense.

d) A Call to Greater Responsibility (Luke 12:48)
To whom much is given, much is required. Favour often comes with greater expectations.

Biblical Example: Esther was taken into the palace under unusual circumstances, eventually becoming the instrument of deliverance for her people (Esther 4:14-16).

3. GOD’S REASSURANCE ACCOMPANIES HIS FAVOUR

Whenever God’s favour brings trouble or confusion, He always provides comfort and assurance.

a) “Fear Not” Is God’s Assurance (Luke 1:30)
God reassures His children in moments of fear, reminding them of His presence.

b) God’s Presence Brings Strength (Isaiah 41:10)
God promises to uphold and strengthen those He favours.

c) Grace Is Sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9)
God’s grace sustains believers even in challenging situations.

d) Peace in the Midst of Trouble (John 16:33)
Jesus assures us of peace even when we face tribulation.

Biblical Example: God reassured Joshua after Moses’ death, strengthening him to lead Israel with confidence (Joshua 1:6-9).

4. FAVOUR AND TROUBLE WORK TOGETHER FOR GOD’S PURPOSE

The combination of favour and temporary trouble often leads to the fulfilment of divine purpose.

a) All Things Work Together for Good (Romans 8:28)
Both favour and challenges are part of God’s divine plan for good.

b) Trouble Produces Growth (James 1:2-4)
Trials develop patience and maturity in believers.

c) Favour Leads to Testimonies (Psalm 34:19)
Though the righteous face many afflictions, God delivers them from all.

d) God Turns Confusion into Clarity (1 Corinthians 14:33)
God is not the author of confusion; He brings clarity in due time.

Biblical Example: Joseph experienced favour alongside trials, but it ultimately led to his elevation and the preservation of many lives (Genesis 39–41).

CONCLUSION

Being favoured by God does not mean a life free from trouble; rather, it means a life guided, sustained, and secured by God through every situation. Moments of confusion or fear do not cancel God’s favour; they often accompany the unfolding of His greater plan.

As you walk with God, learn to trust Him even when things do not make immediate sense. Hold on to His Word, embrace His assurance, and remain obedient. In due time, every troubling moment will give way to clarity, testimony, and fulfilment of divine purpose.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me to trust You even in moments of confusion and uncertainty in Jesus name.

2. Lord, remove every fear that arises when I encounter the unknown in Jesus name.

3. Holy Spirit, grant me clarity in every situation that troubles my heart in Jesus name.

4. Father, strengthen my faith to believe in Your favour despite challenges in Jesus name.

5. Lord, let Your presence comfort me in every troubling situation in Jesus name.

6. Father, turn every confusion in my life into divine clarity in Jesus name.

7. Lord, give me the grace to embrace Your purpose even when it disrupts my plans in Jesus name.

8. Father, let every trial in my life produce growth and maturity in Jesus name.

9. Lord, deliver me from every trouble and grant me victory in Jesus name.

10. Father, let Your favour upon my life result in undeniable testimonies in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall walk in divine favour, and no trouble shall overwhelm you.

2. Every confusion in your life is turning into divine clarity and understanding.

3. You shall not be afraid, for God’s presence shall continually strengthen you.

4. Your moments of trouble shall produce powerful testimonies.

5. You shall receive divine reassurance in every situation that troubles your heart.

6. The favour of God upon your life shall distinguish you in every area.

7. Every unexpected situation in your life shall work for your good.

8. You shall grow stronger in faith through every challenge you face.

9. God shall turn your fears into confidence and your doubts into faith.

10. From today, you shall walk in both favour and victory all the days of your life.