The first major act of Jesus' ministry was to go and be baptized by His cousin, John. Jesus did this to honor John as God's messenger and to set an example for us to follow. By being baptized, Jesus showed His humility and submission to the will of the Father. This created the perfect opportunity for God to affirm His Son.
Before Jesus had done any great miracle, suffered on the cross or preaching to the crowds, God affirmed His love for Jesus. He said the following as a dove representing the Holy Spirit landed on Jesus, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). The Father spoke these words before Jesus had done anything impressive. God confirmed His love and pleasure for the Son at the beginning of His ministry. With this anointing and affirmation firmly in His mind, Jesus proceeded to answer the call of His Father.
Just like Jesus, we all need to receive the Father's love and affirmation. A child discovers his identity from the words of his father, we as children of God are no different. This shapes our view of God and belief about who we are. This impacts how we live each day. Without the love of the Father, Jesus would not have been able to complete His mission. We are no different.
If you have never stopped to receive the affirmation of God, you are likely trying to please the Father on your own. You are striving to do something that you can't do on your own and already have if you take hold of it by faith. God loves you despite what you do for Him. God loves you because He is love and has designed you to be loveable. For those who are faithful children, God is well pleased because He sees you through the finished work of His Son, Jesus.
Consider the affirming love of God it is the basis for all successful ministry and living. You already have the favor of God. You do not need to convince Him to give it to you. But you may have to humble yourself and submit to God's will in order to discover it.
