This week, I experienced a major life event. For the first time in over two decades, my tax status changed from head of household to single. With no children to claim as deductions any longer, I’ve now joined the ranks of millions of people who are taxed at the highest level.
Imagine my surprise as the tax preparer shared this bit of information with me. No more child tax credit. No more higher standard deduction. No more favor.
After the shock wore off, I had a moment to ponder. And as you know, I always like to look for the spiritual lessons in my everyday life and share practical tips with you so that you can grow in your relationship with God.
Let’s talk about favor.
In my study of Moses bringing the Israelites out of Egypt, I am reading about the plagues that God sent to the Egyptians. Frogs, locusts, hail, and darkness plummeted these people yet did not touch one hair of the Israelite’s heads.
No creepy crawly things entered their households. No hail struck down their crops. While all of Egypt was plunged into darkness, the Israelites enjoyed sunny days. Talk about favor!
Let’s talk about status.
In the government’s eyes, I’m now a single person. Me, myself, and I. Because of this status, I’ll now be taxed at the highest rate and won’t get any of the deductions of my previous status. Feels like a punishment, doesn’t it?
Interestingly, both of my children also filed their returns and lamented about the same thing. “Why does the government get more of my money just because I’m single?”
Even though the favor and status I had with the government has changed, guess what? My status with God, my Father in heaven stayed the same. How He sees me today as “single” is no different than when He saw me a few days ago as “head of household.”
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV).
You see, unlike the federal government, God doesn’t change. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. You can bank on it!
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 NKJV).
In God’s economy, as a believer in His Son, I still have full access to all of the favor and the status as I had before.
Why is this so important? How does God’s “sameness” help you and me? First and foremost, we can find rest in it. God loves you no matter what. God will forgive you no matter what you have done. Because of the finished work of His Son on the cross, anyone who believes can rest in the amazing sameness of God.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NKJV).
In a world that changes every nanosecond, isn’t it comforting to know we can count on Someone who doesn’t change?
This week, I’d like to encourage you to meditate on this truth. No matter what box you check come April 15th, rest in knowing that your status and your favor with God is rock solid.