The Cost of Favor

By Barbara K. Lofton

Favor what does it mean? How many times have we made the
statement, I am blessed and highly favored? Do you really know
what it means to have the favor of God? Have you examined the
word to see what the spiritual meaning of favor is on your life?
Being a Christian does not mean you will not have trials and
tribulations. Divorce, death, sickness, envy, strife, etc. may come,
but you still have Gods favor. Favor is not something to take
lightly. It is an honor and a privilege to have the favor of God
on your life. This book will give you a better insight on what it
means to have Gods favor and the cost you must pay. In spite
of the cost, God is still a great God and greatly to be praised!
After reading this book, I pray that my life experiences and
challenges through my cost of favor will inspire, exhort, and
enhance your life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 10, 2010
• ISBN: 9781453544471

Barbara K. Lofton

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Book preview

Contents

FOREWORD

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

REFERENCES

In loving memory

of

image001.jpg

Phillippia Chanel Sanders

August 10, 1981-September 6, 2005

Your trials and tribulations are your

transportation to your destination.

—Rev. Dr. Charles E. Goodman Jr.

Thanks, Pastor, for those profound words!

FOREWORD

The worldly definition of favor is vastly different from the spiritual definition in the Kingdom of God. People often wonder how and why God would allow his people to suffer and endure pain while simultaneously saying that they are blessed and highly favored. However, spiritual maturity lends to a deeper understanding of the cost of favor and how in it, God intends to use us through seemingly challenging experiences. The true cost of favor may not feel good, but the reward is indeed an unimaginable blessing disguised through what we perceive naturally as great sufferings. When in actuality, when we witness for him, he puts us on public display as a testimony to his power. In accordance to his will and his prerogative, he elevates us to our predestined promise in due season.

In The Cost of Favor, Min. Barbara Lofton shares her powerful testimony, as it speaks to faith and obedience, as well as being able to still worship in the most difficult situations. The ability to be steadfast and to withstand the test is what led to this awesome witness, which glorifies God and his amazing power. Favor is not about what you are going through but rather who brought you through, and how you were able to make it on the other side of through with your hands and voice lifted in worship and praise. Understand that it is easy to comply and trust in him when you are at a peak in life. The true test of faith and your true spiritual character is developed when you are in the valley. God wants us to do what is pleasing to him in our storm—pray, seek his face, worship him, depend on his Word—and he will not only bring you out of your situation, he will bless you exceedingly in the process.

As evidenced in this book, the cost of favor is indeed a blessing, as God desires us to do something great with all of our lives. Be mindful that your adversity is not random, for your trials always prepare you to step into his will and to fulfill his purpose. The ultimate blessing is not necessarily material gain or prosperity; rather the reward you will receive is the peace and comfort that only he can provide. He desires to strengthen your relationship with him, so that you can clearly hear his voice and follow his divine order. God is using you because you are special. Know that you will be victorious as you draw closer to him, having the blessed assurance that he will give you all the provisions to survive. All you have to do is surrender to God and allow him to move.

In my opinion, this book is timely and much needed. In the age of prosperity ministry and microwave religion, it is necessary to lift up the true cost of favor. God paid the ultimate cost by giving us his son, so how dare we have the audacity to expect to move through life without difficulty. The cost of favor is your life—realizing that it is not yours, but his. He will use your experiences in life to glorify him and bring others to him as well. When people wonder how you can shout and praise him in the midst of what you’re going through, you can say with certainty that he is working—on you and for you—and the result is a grateful spirit that understands his power and his love. Through your life, others will see and feel his presence and his power as you stand boldly with confidence as a living example of faith in the midst of the problems of this world. Moreover, you will experience the joy and fulfillment of his loving arms around your life as you travel this journey, knowing with sincere confidence that God is working it out for our good.

I commend Min. Barbara Lofton for sharing her story. I pray that others are blessed from the real-life lessons that she shares.

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

Dr. Charles E. Goodman Jr., pastor/teacher

Tabernacle Baptist Church, Augusta, Georgia

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book is based on my life, but some names will not be used to protect those who will not accept the truth, refuse to tell the truth, or don’t want to know the truth. It’s not to point or blame; it is simply declaring my freedom, for the Bible declares whom the Son sets free is free indeed, and the truth shall make me free.

I dedicate this book to my wonderful husband, Ronnie—thanks for always supporting me; you are truly a gift from God. To my daughter, Jasmine—I love you more than you know; always pray and keep God first and you will have a successful life. You are my pride and joy. To my grandson Marquise—Nana loves you, and I pray you will grow to be a God-fearing, strong man; remember your mom loved you with all her heart. To my beloved Chanel—I miss you more than the number of sand grains on the beach. I never told you, but you were the wind beneath my wings. Everything I did or tried to do was only for you and Jasmine to have a better life. To my thirteen brothers and sisters whom I love dearly, regardless of how we became brothers and sisters. God made us siblings, but love made us friends. Thanks to my parents, friends, and my naysayers. You all have inspired me to