When the Stage is Set

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. (Luke 1:26-28)

Gabriel was not sent to Mary by chance. He was sent because the stage had been prepared. An entire nation had repented. The groundwork had been laid for centuries. The prophecies were in place. And now, God was ready to act. When God is ready to act, He does so with purpose. He knew the city. He knew the family. He knew the girl.

Mary was highly favored, yes. But favor doesn't exist in a vacuum. Favor flows to those who are in a position. Mary was a young woman of faith living in obedience during a time when her nation had just turned back to God. She wasn't famous or wealthy; she was simply available and pure before God.

That is the pattern. When God's people repent, prepare the way, and get themselves into position, then God begins to move. He starts sending angels, giving instructions, and releasing what He has been holding in the storehouse.

There are things God wants to release in your life right now. The question is not whether He is willing, but whether the stage has been set. Have you dealt with what He has asked you to handle? Are you in position to receive what He wants to send?

Favor is looking for someone to land on. Make sure you are prepared.

Practical Application

Ask the Holy Spirit what is blocking the flow of God's favor in your life. It may be something you already know about. Address it. Clean it up. Position yourself to receive what God has been wanting to send.

Proverbs 31:29; Isaiah 43:5