I have a new appreciation for this verse penned by the apostle Paul. For years, I read it and passed it over because I thought it no longer applied to those who had already received God's precious gift of salvation. But recently, God gave me fresh revelation of how I can apply the truth of these principles in my daily life. Let me share with you some of the divine treasures in this verse from the Word of God.

First, the Lord tells us, "In the time of My favor I heard you." Favor is an awesome biblical word. It can represent God's approval, grace, or mercy. Scripture says that through Jesus, God "received us into favor". (2 Corinthians 5:18 AMP) When we receive Christ as our personal Savior, God accepts us and crowns us with His divine favor. Paul had a powerful revelation of the importance of favor from God. He said, "We beg you for [Christ's] sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you]." (2 Corinthians 5:20 AMP) God wants His children to be favor-minded. He wants us to expect ready answers to our prayers. When the Lord says, "In the time of My favor I heard you," He is speaking of a very intimate and interactive relationship. When we acknowledge the favor of God on our lives, we will pray with more confidence and boldness. And we will demonstrate a spiritual strength that will enable the Lord to use us in mighty ways for His glory. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit will prompt us to pray for favor with a certain person, or in a specific situation. We can pray for favor with our spouses, our children, our parents, our coworkers, and our bosses. If our car breaks down, we can pray for favor for its repair and restoration. In times of sickness or injury, we can pray for favor for our healing. When we are facing a troubling financial situation, we can pray for favor for divine provision and prosperity. The fact is that being favor-minded can make the difference between success and failure, debt and lack, sickness and health.

The next thing that the Lord tells us in 2 Corinthians 6:2 is, "In the day of salvation I helped you". The word "salvation" can mean deliverance, rescue, release, restoration, healing, or victory. It can also represent God's "saving acts". In the book of Exodus, Moses told God's people: "Fear not; stand still (firm, confident, undismayed) and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest." (Exodus 14:13,14 AMP) We all face situations on a daily basis that cry out for this kind of salvation that only the Lord can work. As soldiers of Christ, we are in a constant battle with the forces of darkness, and we can call upon our Commander-in-Chief at any time to fight for us. David declared, "God is to us a God of deliverances and salvation". (Psalm 68:20 AMP) Whether we need deliverance from disease, pain, debt, heartbreak, addiction, or anything else, our God will save and deliver us as we walk in close fellowship with Him on a moment-by-moment basis. The prophet Jeremiah wrote: "It is good that one should hope in and wait quietly for the salvation (the safety and ease) of the Lord." (Lamentations 3:26 AMP) In dangerous or tense situations, praying for the salvation of the Lord can offer us and our loved ones protection and peace.

Paul ends Second Corinthians 6:2 with these words: "I tell you, NOW is the time of God's favor, NOW is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2 NIV) When I am facing tough circumstances, I declare this verse out loud, and I literally shout the word "NOW" over my situation, calling God's favor and salvation power to manifest on my behalf. What situations are you facing today that are begging for the favor and salvation of the Lord?

Prayer: Lord, today I commit to You all of my troubles and trials. Grant me Your favor and Your salvation power in each and every one. Thank You for all of the victories, blessings, and rewards that will be mine because of my faith in You and Your Word!