Scriptures: Psalm 5:12; Luke 2:40 and 52; 1st Samuel 2:26
Favor is an act of kindness beyond what is due or usual hence, you can say it’s unfair preference. Another word for favor is approval, approbation, commendation, esteem, goodwill, kindness, benevolence, friendliness. Favor is a product of God’s mercy on us. God’s favor is for a purpose, when he favors you, it’s not for you to hold on to it but to do something about it or with it. You receive blessing so you can be a blessing.
Samuel grew in stature and favor with God and with man. Apart from physical growth, he was growing in his walk with God. He heard the voice of God in his childhood and his life never remained the same. He was the first to be called the seer in the Bible. Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and man. Stature here is the only physical growth but also in importance, in reputation, and in influence.
Samuel received approval from God and his words did not fail. For Jesus, every word he said and actions he took were backed up by the Holy Spirit. His words did not return void. God’s signature seal of favor was upon him. One day of favor with God and man is much better than one thousand days of hard labor. The Lord can take us to a place where we experience supernatural favor daily as he daily loads us with benefits – Psalm 68:19.
Attributes of God’s Favor
- Love God: Without loving God, we cannot expect to gain his favor (Proverbs 3:1-4).
- Love people: Care for one another (Matthew 25:34-40; Ruth 2:11-12).
- Like what God likes and hate what he hates: As you take a stand for God and his course, his favor will be release on you (Revelation 2:6).
- Be a giver: Give: time, helping hand, listening ear, gifts and offerings, let your offering find favor with God like Abel’s (Genesis 4:4; 32:5).
- Be Faithful: Noah found favor with God because of his faithfulness (Genesis 6:7-9).
- Be righteous/blameless: Seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness, owe no man anything, but love (Matthew 6:33; Romans 13:8).
- Be submissive: Esther shows us how submission brings favor, she didn’t take matters into her hand (Esther 2:15).
- Be humble: Through humility, Esther received immediate care and attention. Remember that God resists the proud (1stPeter 5:5).
- Be honest: Joseph found favor with Potiphar because he could be trusted. Honesty is a key to favor (Proverbs 11:1; Genesis 39:4).
- Get wisdom: “For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord” (Proverbs 8:35).
As you engage these characteristics, I believe you will see and experience the favor of God in your life. Remember, favor comes in stages. You can grow in it; maximum favor may not come at once. Jesus grew in favor with God and man. God’s favor lasts for a life time but his anger lasts only for a moment (Psalm 30:5).
Noah found favor with God, he was blameless, righteous, and faithful. Joseph and Esther, found favor with God and man. May we find favor with God and man.
Prayer:Oh Lord, rain your favor on me and let it surround me like a shield. Position my life and lead me to where I will experience favor in every direction, let your favor flow from men to me and my household. As you favor me, make me favorable to others as a channel of blessings, in the name of Jesus.