God’s Favor
When considering the subject of God’s favor, I urge you to look at the book of Esther.
“When the turn came for Esther (the young woman Mordecai had adopted, the daughter of his uncle Abihail) to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her. She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal residence in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.” Esther 2:15-17 (NIV)
Esther found favor in the sight of all who saw her.
How?
She found grace and favor in the king’s sight more than all others. He made her queen instead of Vashti.
Why?
“When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.” Esther 5:2 (NIV)
When the king saw queen Esther standing in the court she found favor in his sight and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter.
What does God’s favor look like?
Gaining approval, acceptance, or special benefits of blessings
Grace and mercy—God’s good pleasure
Tangible evidence of God’s approval
Scriptural examples of God’s favor:
“Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” Exodus 33:12-13 (NIV)
“with the best gifts of the earth and its fullness and the favor of him who dwelt in the burning bush. Let all these rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince among his brothers.” Deuteronomy 33:16 (NIV)
“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:30 (NIV)
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52 (NIV)
“And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people.” 1 Samuel 2:26 (NIV)
“Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” Isaiah 66: 2 (NIV)
“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(NIV)
“For He says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV)
We see through these verses that God’s favor is often an answer to prayer for mercy.
What is the favor of God and how can I grow in favor?
It is an issue of stewardship. God has given me His favor in giving me Christ. How am I responding to this? Am I receiving the favor given?
Do you see your life as hindered or favored?
Favor does not mean circumstances are always favorable. God is not selective concerning His favor. He doesn’t have favorites or pets and He doesn’t choose to respond with partiality. His favor is available to all. He desires to pour favor over all.
