By Rev Dr. Adewole Adetona JP
BIBLE READING: MATTHEW 10v35-42.
The best definition of the word favor is “demonstrated delight.” The favor of God can be described as “tangible evidence that a person has the approval of the Lord.”
When we favor someone, we want to be with him or her. We delight in him. We connect with her in a way we don’t connect with everyone. We usually favor people who also favor us. In the same way, God shows favor to the ones who delight in, connect with,and give honor to Him. Isaiah 66v2 says, “These are the ones I look on with favor:
those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.”
Second Chronicles 16v9 says, “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong on behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.”
To be “perfect” toward Him means we seek His favor more than we seek the favor of anyone else, even ourselves.
God seeks out those who love Him and love His commands so that He can bless, guide, and protect them (Psalm 37v23; Proverbs 3v5–6). This does not mean that everyone who is prosperous or healthy has found favor with God (Jeremiah 12v1; Psalm 37v7; 73v16).
Nor does it mean that those whom the Lord favors will never suffer difficulties. Many people in the Bible had the Lord’s favor but also suffered hardship (2 Corinthians 6v4; Acts14v22; 20v23; 1 Peter 2v19). Heroes such as Noah (Genesis 6v8), Moses (Exodus 32v11; 33v13), Daniel (Daniel 10v19), and Mary (Luke 1v28) were favored of the Lord, but they also struggled with difficulties like anyone else.
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Those who are favored of God know that God is with them and that nothing can happen to them apart from His good purpose (Romans 8v28). They have His ear as they walk through dark valleys (Psalm 34v15) and know that their struggle to remain true to Him will not go unrewarded (Matthew 10v42; Revelation 2v10). In addition to outward
evidences, God’s favor can be felt in the spirit. When we have the favor of the Lord, we rest in quiet confidence that our sins are forgiven (Romans 4v7), we are within the plan of God (Psalm 86v11), and that He is there for us at all times (Isaiah 41v10; Matthew 28v20). We walk with God as with our closest friend. We begin to see and appreciate the little blessings that God provides for our enjoyment blessings that we once took for granted.
The Lord invites us to seek His favor (Psalm 119v58, 135; 2 Kings 13v4; Jeremiah 26v19; Zephaniah 2v3). When we seek His favor, we humble our hearts before Him (2 Kings 22v19); seek Him for Himself, not just for the blessings He gives (Jeremiah 29v13); and arrange our lives around loving Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and
strength (Mark 12v30; Luke 10v27). We seek first His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6v33).
One way to obtain favor from the Lord is to seek wisdom. Proverbs 8v35 says, “For those who find me [wisdom] find life and receive favor from the LORD.” Psalm 5v12 says, “Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” Finding favor with the Lord keeps our lives and thoughts pure
because we desire to please Him more than we desire to please ourselves. Hebrews 11v25 says of Moses, “He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” When the same can be said of us, we know we have found favor with God. His delight in us will be demonstrated.
HAPPY NEW MONTH OF NOVEMBER, GOD FAVOR WILL LOCATE YOU IN JESUS MIGHT NAME. AMEN.
