Did you ever wonder if God plays favorites? Have you looked around at the blessings others received and worried that God had forgotten you? Click on the video below to hear some encouraging words concerning “God’s favorites.”
Here’s the whole story from John 11:
6 “So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, 7 and then he said to his disciples, ‘Let us go back to Judea.’
17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. 21 ‘Lord,’ Martha said to Jesus, ‘if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.’
23 Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’
24 Martha answered, ‘I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.’
25 Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’
27 ‘Yes, Lord,’ she replied, ‘I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.’
28 After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. ‘The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.’ 29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him.
32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’
33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.
So the next time you worry that God has been playing favorites or that God has forgotten you, open your Bible to John 11—or pop back over and re-watch this video!
Follow this link for “Does God play favorites–part II?“
This week, I’m linking up with friends at Playdates with God, Women Living Well, Thought-provoking Thursday, Thankful Thursday, Imperfect Prose, and Good Morning Girls.
Renee… great teaching. Thanks.
I always appreciate your encouragement, Keiki!
Hi Renee! I am really liking your vlog devotionals!
I don’t know if you follow my blog or not, but for reasons that I stated in a post, I had to change the name.
My new name is now My Favorite Pastime. Here is the address: http://myfavoritepastime.blogspot.com/
Julie(formerly from My Only Vice)
Julie, I found your new blog and am following! Blessings!
It’s so easy to think this way when we look at the lives of others around us…you know the ones..the ones that “look” perfect. God does not play favorites…He is providing for us just as we need Him to!
Thanks for adding your thoughts here, Erin! I enjoy visiting your site. Blessings!
I love your thoughts about how God treats us differently because He knows exactly what WE need! So glad I got to see your vlog!
Thanks, Jen, and I love your site!
This is an awesome vlog, Renee. I have read John 11 so many times, and yet I missed that Jesus responds differently to the sisters. I also am guilty of thinking God plays favorites, even though I know the Bible says that He doesn’t. You are right — He knows what is best for us, and we don’t. We need to trust in His perfect plan for our lives.
Thanks Renee!
May all go well with your career and your sweet family, Gwen! You’re a blessing!
Hello Renee
I wanted to stop by and thank you for that lovely comment you left on my blog. Blogger is having some bugs and I cannot comment on most blogger blogs, including my own.
This was a great article. I’ll be back to read part two.
God bless!
Thanks, Lisa Marie! I found your site very encouraging.
that story has always been very interesting. i mean, there’s so many lessons to learn in that story alone. God looks at our hearts and surely He knows how to deal with each one of us.
So true, Pia! Blessings!
Thank you for this, Renee. I have, indeed, fallen prey to this line of thinking a time or two
. Even though I know better, sometimes it’s hard not have a little pity party or temper tantrum. It’s good to keep this reminder close to heart, to know He is always concerned with what is best. Thank you for linking up to Playdates with God this week. 
My site had some trouble this week, but I still enjoyed linking up with your blog, Laura! Thanks for providing a place to encourage each other.
Wonderful teaching.
Blessings, Denise!
i appreciate your encouragement and your teaching, friend. thank you for sharing with imperfect prose. e.
Blessings as you continue your journey as a family!
Great video blog post Thanks for sharing on NOBH
Thanks and blessings, Anna-Marie!
This was very encouraging Renee Ann! Thank you for the blessing this morning.
I still follow you by email, Lynda, and your posts are always a blessing!
Oooh, that nasty comparison trap. I hear ya, sister.
Thanks for stopping in, Tami, and I love your site!
It is true, God does not play favorites. I know that I have to learn patience and see Him work.
Thank you for sharing your grateful heart with us this week and your encouragement from Scripture.
Love & peace,
Iris
Thanks for your kind words, Iris. Blessings!
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O whoa. I love this. How very true.
It’s so easy to ask, “Why does this have to be hard for me?”
But it’s important to remember God has tailored it just for me and his timing and plan is perfect.
I have to constantly remind myself . . . hence, the video!
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