In God's Favor

Sometimes things go awry because of the decisions we make. But we should be living under God’s favor. It seems a long ways off sometimes.

We see the troubles brewing in the world and we start to wonder what may come next. But, we need to live not in the past, but in faith, grace, and favor.

Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Have faith now.

When a man’s ways please the Lord, even his enemies are at peace.

Genesis 39:21 - But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

Genesis 39:3-6a - And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority. So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was on all that he had in the house and in the field. Thus he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate.

God blessed Daniel to make him (he was a slave) the 2nd and 3rd in command of the land where he was taken.

Daniel 1:8 - But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Daniel stood on his principles and would not defile himself with choice food he was expected to eat. God saw his devotion and blessed him greatly.

Psalm 8:4-6 - What is man that You are mindful of him,

And the son of man that You visit him?

For You have made him a little lower than the angels,

And You have crowned him with glory and honor.

You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;

You have put all things under his feet,

God, though He is so far above humanity, still loves us dearly and has imparted important tasks and duties for us to perform.

John 17:22-23 - And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

God wants us to be with Him. Jesus wants His glory on us.

Numbers 6:22-27 - And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them:

“The LORD bless you and keep you;

The LORD make His face shine upon you,

And be gracious to you;

The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,

And give you peace.” ’

“So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.”

God wants to bless us. We can just receive it if we do what He says. He will not honor a people who do not honor Him.

Sometimes we find it hard to believe that God loves us that much. We see our failings and our shortcomings, but He loves us beyond those and made a way to be forgiven so he could demonstrate that love.

Ephesians 1:4 - just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,

We are chosen, selected. That means He has a desire for you.

Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

There are blessings awaiting.

Ephesians 3:19 - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

God wants to fill us with His fullness. Imagine appearing as Jesus… who had the fullness of God. We can live that way. We can resist temptation and the devil. What’s more important is to submit to God… that’ll take care of the rest of it.

Ephesians 2:19 - Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

We live in the household of God. We are called His family. We have access to everything the family has… even the fridge!

He wants to bless you, and fill you, because He is your family.

Ephesians 3:14 - For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

We serve Him in return for these blessings.

Romans 8:14-17 - For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

We become God’s children and God becomes our “Daddy!”

Proverbs 11:27 - He who earnestly seeks good finds favor,

But trouble will come to him who seeks evil.

Just commit yourself to walk in love, to obey, and serve God.

Hosea 5:4 - They do not direct their deeds

Toward turning to their God,

For the spirit of harlotry is in their midst,

And they do not know the LORD.

Proverbs 3:4 - And so find favor and high esteem

In the sight of God and man.

Walk in God’s way, you’ll find favor in the sight of both God and man.

Proverbs 8:35 - For whoever finds me finds life,

And obtains favor from the LORD;

Seek God, and obtain favor and life.

Imagine being a teacher’s pet. We are God’s favorite… He has overlooked our sin, sent us Jesus, provided blessings for us, and eternal 

Matthew 6:33 - But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

John 12:26 - If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

Romans 12:1,2 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.