Who doesn’t want to be favored? Especially favored from God? Our definition of favor probably revolves around getting what we want, when we want it. And of course, everyone thinking we are awesome! However when something doesn’t go our way, we tend to submit to self pity. So what is God’s idea of favor?
God’s Favor and Tribulation:
An Angel of the Lord told the virgin Mary she would carry the promised savior in her womb:And he came to Mary and said, Hail, O favored one [endued with grace]! The Lord is with you! Blessed (favored of God) are you before all other women! Luke 1:28
The angel told Mary she was FAVORED of GOD and therefore she had the blessing of raising Jesus Christ. Mary was probably thrilled at first. But what about when she had to explain to her parents, future husband and friends that God got her pregnant? Her betrothed wanted to break it off, and when he didn’t, they had to MOVE AWAY. Does this sound like favor? Mary was favored by God, but SHAMED by almost everyone else around her. I mean, would you have believed God got her pregnant? Then, when Jesus was two, they had to FLEE for their lives to Egypt. The lived for a few years as foreigners with NO FAMILY OR FRIENDS! Does this sound like the kind of favor from God you want?
Here is the Hebrew definition of God’s favor.
FAVOR (Hebrew/Strong’s H7522) favor, acceptable, delight, pleasure
The favor from God means He accepts you, delights in you, and finds pleasure in you! If you have a child, then you may delight in your child, but some other people may not! In fact, they may think your child is a big brat. But you have accepted your child and you find pleasure in them, because they are YOUR CHILD. Remember, just because God shows you favor, does not mean problems will not arise!
Wisdom and Understanding:
And Jesus increased in wisdom (in broad and full understanding) and in stature and years, and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52
This scripture talks about a time when Jesus was probably around 12 or 13. As Jesus increased in wisdom, he increased in favor with God and man. Jesus studied the Old Testament scriptures and was in a Temple talking to religious leaders. If you study the scriptures and increase your wisdom, your favor will increase.
Your Reputation:
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1
Have you ever heard the saying “Your reputation precedes you?” or how about “Birds of a Feather Flock Together?” You are usually known for who you associate with. I have heard people say “Well, Jesus hung out with sinners!” Did he? No, actually he preached to, and prayed for sinners. Who Jesus “hung out” with MOST of the time was his 12 disciples who were following Him, and only THREE of those he called his close friend. Jesus’ close friends FOLLOWED God and prayed for other people.
Do your close friends follow Jesus? Do your best friends pray for people, and stay out of trouble? Jesus preached to the lost and prayed for them. He did not spend a lot of close personal time with them, like he did his disciples. According to Proverbs 22:1, your good name is associated with FAVOR. Most people like to associate with people who are known for their good works and behavior. If you like to spend time with trouble makers, then you will end up with their reputation, and you will be led in the wrong direction.
Right Standing With God:
For You, Lord, will bless the [uncompromisingly] righteous [him who is upright and in right standing with You]; as with a shield You will surround him with favor. Psalm 5:12
According to Psalm 5:12, God will surround you with a shield of favor, IF you are uncompromising righteous. Ask yourself, do you compromise in any area of your life? Are you doing things you know are not right? Or are you sincerely following Jesus and staying tender to the leading of His Holy Spirit? I encourage you to pray and ask the Lord if there is any area of your life, where you have submitted to compromise.