Someone asked me the other day how I was doing with everything that was going on. I answered that I was blessed and favored, and they looked at me as if I were crazy. I was not being sarcastic, I believe I am indeed blessed to be a chosen child of God. I have received the gift of grace which I did nothing to deserve and can never earn. He favors me, not because I’m all that but because He loves me. I have witnessed God’s favor many times in my life, to many to count. However His favor follows me so much more since I surrendered my life to Him and began to pursue Him more than I pursued the world. Favor is the result of seeking a closer relationship with Him. Those favored by God know that God is with them in spite of what’s going on. We also know that nothing can happen apart from His good purpose for our life. Some people may favor you for a reason or for a season, but God’s favor last a lifetime. Through Jesus this favor is given freely to all who will receive it. God’s favor can change difficult situations you may face in your family, relationships, health, or your finances. God’s favor often shines the brightest in dark days!
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13)
“For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.” (Psalms 5:12)
“He who earnestly seeks good finds favor, But trouble will come to him who seeks evil.“ (Proverbs 11:27)
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” (Psalm 84:11)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Throughout the scriptures God has called many people blessed and favored. They had the Lord’s favor but they still had challenges. I think about Nehemiah who was definitely favored by God. Although he was afraid, Nehemiah went to see the king to request permission to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall. He prayed first and then spoke boldly to the king. The king not only sent him to Jerusalem but he granted Nehemiah all that he requested and more. That’s what I call favor! God not only grants us favor but He can also give us favor among men. (Nehemiah 2:4-8) And then there is Esther who lived in extremely dangerous times, but the Lord favored her and also gave her favor with man. The Bible says Esther found favor in the eyes of all who saw her. The Lord gives us favor as He did Esther to make an impact on those around us. And she did! (Esther 2:15,17) When Daniel was taken captive by the Babylonians and removed from his homeland, the Lord did not abandon him, instead God caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel. (Daniel 1:8-21)) The same with Joseph, his brothers meant him harm and Joseph found himself in prison. But God was with Joseph and he found favor even in prison. (Gen. 39:21-23) No matter how difficult our situation may seem, just like with Joseph, when we are favored no weapon formed against us will prosper! The Bible tells us that God’s favor opens doors and makes possible that which seems impossible. Look at Mary, the mother of Jesus. She was a virgin! The angel sent by God told her that she was highly favored. (Luke 1:26-28) Mary was “highly” favored because God chose her to give birth to our Lord Jesus. And speaking of Jesus, the Bible tells us that He grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:52) We can thank Jesus that we now have the opportunity to grow in wisdom and obtain that same favor!
Today’s society ranks success on power and material things. Even some Believers interpret God’s favor in terms of money, status, houses, cars, etc. The blessings of God that matter most are not food, clothing, and money. Yes they are important but it is more important to remember the profound impact of spiritual blessings on our lives. Things such as peace, joy, hope, and confidence in a God who will never leave us or forsake us? When we experience these spiritual blessings we experience God’s favor that shines no matter what circumstances we may be facing. God’s desire is to shower us with His grace and favor. God’s favor comes with His divine blessings and protection. Favor is experiencing the fullness of His love and goodness in our lives. Doors will open that no man can shut. The impossible becomes possible and darkness is dominated by His light. When we dedicate our lives to God and His Kingdom, He who is our Source will provide all the resources we need. When the Lord is with you, you are a successful person.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3)
“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27)
“The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)
“If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light [will] become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to You.” (Psalm 139:11)
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
Favor and blessings are attached to our identity as God’s children. Growing in favor with God means growing our relationship with Him. It means living a life of obedience and righteousness and being led by the Holy Spirit. It involves yielding to and aligning our thoughts, actions, and desires with God’s. This will always look like love, loving others as He loves us. As our relationship deepens with God, we will experience His favor, blessings, protection, and guidance. Favor follows surrender. Love and Blessings…
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)
EMMANUEL 