November 27, 2022
“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!” Psalm 90:17
‘For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12
“I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me.” Proverbs 8:17
“But he who sins against me injures himself; All those who hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:36
I have often heard it said. “I just want the favor of God upon my life,” or I am blessed and highly favored. In fact, I like many others, have said, “I have the Favor of God.”
What does that really mean?
The word “Favor” is associated with the words, respect, support, consideration, and admiration. In the Word of God, “Favor” is closely related to grace. The favor or grace of God gives us the ability to do something which is humanly impossible for us to do. For example, it is only by God’s undeserved favor that we can experience eternal life, and it is only by God’s grace that we have the ability to live for the Lord. Yes, those who have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior are saved by grace through faith in Him. 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.” Again, those who belong to God through faith in Jesus Christ have the Favor of God. 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.
The “favor of God” can be described as divine kindness, or an act of true compassion on the part of God Himself toward needy and undeserving human recipients. One of the definitions for the word favor is “demonstrated delight,” however, God’s Favor must be viewed in proper context. As Dr. Mayhew would often say in class, context is KING”! Let’s be clear, God’s favor does not mean that He has favorites, in the context of a place of higher status and less responsibility. Instead, our choices may have an impact on whether we are among those He favors. Isaiah 66:2 gives us some insight into the favor of God “My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. I, the Lord, have spoken! “I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at My Word.” (NLT) When Dr. Howard John Wesley says, “read your Bible, it will make you a better Christian, it is especially applicable here. I love the Word of God because it clearly answers questions about life and how we should live!
Because of Christ and His Favor, You Are:
You are Loved ~ Romans 5:8
You are Chosen ~ 1 Peter 2:9
You have a Purpose ~ Jeremiah 29:11
You are Redeemed ~ Ephesians 1:7
You are Favored ~ Psalm 5:12
You are blessed ~ Psalm 146:5
You are Healed ~ 1 Peter 2:24
Having the favor of God does not mean that those whom the Lord favors will struggle and never suffer difficulties. Many people in the Bible had the Lord’s favor but also suffered hardship! What about the heroes of the faith: Noah, Moses, Daniel, and even Mary? Just ask the Apostle Paul who suffered for the cause of Christ! Peter set forth a principle here that may be applied to any situation where unjust suffering occurs. He says in 1 Peter 2:20-21, “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.” (NLT)
Rx: A FAVORED 
HEART: As Children of God, we have His favor purchased by Jesus, the Son of God’s shed blood. John says, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” John 1:12. In the Sovereign will of God His favor may demonstrate itself through greater responsibility, blessing, or even suffering disgrace for the name of Jesus. However, the reward of His favor is His promise that “all things work together for the good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28. When we have God’s favor, we know He is always with us and will reward us for everything done for Him as noted in Revelation 22:12. “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.” (NLT)
FATHER GOD, how grateful we are for the sacrifice of Your Son Jesus giving us the privilege to bask in Your favor You have extended to us, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen!
Do you have the favor of God?