July 21, 2024
“What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.” Romans 9:14-16 (NKJV)
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable.”Isaiah 40:28 (NASB)
Have there been times in your life when you said, “It looks as if God has favorites?
Sis. Ann, one of the ladies on our prayer line, from Nassau Bahama who has been faithful on the line for more than 15 years often speaks of God and her relationship with Him as if she was God’s favorite child. We had to gracefully and lovingly inform her that we are also favorite children of God, however, all in fun!
When you witness those who always seemed to prosper no matter how they live, you may have said, “God that does not seem to be fair, or, why did God allow this to happen to me?” I believe every honest Christian has had doubts that come into his or her heart when they sees the wicked prosper and has witnessed situations or circumstances that appear to be unfair, looking around at the craziness of this life, wondering if God struggles with a few things!
“Are we saying, then, that God was unfair? Of course not! For God said to Moses, “I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.” So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it.” Romans 9:14-16 (NLT)
The question as to whether or not God has favorites is complex if it is based upon our human understanding of favoritism, which usually means unfair treatment of anyone who is not favored. However, to fully comprehend the truth of this question, the best place to go is to the Word of God, our Roadmap for life. When we understand this important concept, it can enrich our faith and provide a deeper appreciation for God’s workings in the affairs of our lives.
“The Favor of God” is a concept deeply rooted in the Word of God, the Bible, symbolizing God’s grace, kindness, and blessing bestowed upon individuals. When we think of favoritism, we imagine a place of higher status and less responsibility. But God’s Favor often comes with added duties and more difficult challenges. Jesus was the expression of everything God favors.
The answer starts with the fact that God is always just. Deuteronomy 32:3-4, says “I will proclaim the name of the Lord; how glorious is our God! He is the Rock; His deeds are perfect. Everything He does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright He is!” The Psalmist says in Psalms 7:11, “ God is an honest judge. He is angry with the wicked every day.” We know that He is a God of love, and He loves everyone because we were all created in His image noted in Genesis 1:26. Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
God’s favorites are His children, purchased through the blood of His Son! John 1:12 reminds us that “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. God’s favor follows us when we live lives that honor the risen Christ. However, remember that favor may manifest itself through greater responsibility, blessing, or even suffering for the sake of Christ. Be mindful of what Acts 5:41 says, “So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.
The reward of God’s favor is His promise that “all things work together for the good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose” in Romans 8:28. When we are God’s favorites, we know He is always with us and will reward us for everything done for Him noted in Revelation 22:12-13 “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
Some Biblical Examples of God’s Favor
Noah. Noah’s favor led to the preservation of his family and the continuation of humanity. “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” Genesis 6:8
Moses. Moses’ favor with God resulted in the deliverance of Israel from Egypt.“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” Exodus 33:17
Mary. Mary was chosen to bear Jesus, the Savior, signifying an immense divine favor.“But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:30
Qualities of Those Who Receive God’s Favor
- Righteousness and Obedience. Living a life of integrity and obedience aligns one with God’s favor. “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:3-4
- Humility attracts God’s favor as it reflects reliance on Him rather than self. “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6
- Faith is crucial in receiving God’s favor as it shows trust in His promises. “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6:
Results of God’s Favor
- Protection and Provision God’s favor provides protection and sustenance. Psalm 5:12: “Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”
- Success and Prosperity Joseph’s life exemplifies how God’s favor can lead to success even in adverse circumstances. Genesis 39:21-23: “The Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. … The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.”
- Divine Guidance Those who receive God’s favor are guided by His wisdom and direction. Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
How to Respond to God’s Favor
Gratitude and Worship. Acknowledging God’s favor with thanksgiving and worship is essential. “Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 106:1
Stewardship. God’s favor comes with the responsibility to serve others and further His kingdom. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10.
Help us to always remember that not everyone who is prosperous or healthy has found favor with God. God reminds us in Psalms 37:7 “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. (NLT)
HEART 
CHALLENGE: God’s love is unconditional and we as Believers in Christ desire the favor of God. His favor is a profound blessing that can transform lives, providing protection, guidance, and prosperity. It is a manifestation of His grace and kindness, given not by merit but by His divine will. Embracing God’s favor involves living a life of righteousness, humility, and faith, responding with gratitude and stewardship. Understanding and seeking God’s favor can deepen one’s spiritual journey and lead to a life marked by His divine presence and blessings.
Waiting on the LORD is an expression of faith. When circumstances bear down on us, it is tempting to orchestrate our own relief effort. Yet if we will tenaciously trust the Lord. He will renew our spirit and strengthen us for the challenge!
A FAVORED 
HEART: Favor is closely related to grace in Scripture. The most basic answer to “how can I get God’s favor” is “believe in the Lord Jesus.” Ephesians 2:8-9 says “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Without faith, it is impossible to please God but those who have saving faith in God’s Son are declared righteous and live in God’s favor.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for Your Word, which provides us with clear instructions about who You are, and what You can do, and our understanding of You is unsearchable. Help us to remember that You are a Sovereign God and can do what You want to do in and through our lives. Help us to remember that there are things about You that we will never understand! Help us remember that we can trust You with our lives, remembering what You have already done and that eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things God has prepared for those who love Him. Thank You, Father, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen.
References: Logos Bible Software / WordSearch