A Time Of Favor

Genesis 39:2-6

The LORD was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did. (Genesis 39:2)

THE FAVOR OF GOD WAS on Joseph’s life. It was on Daniel’s, too (Daniel 1:9, 17-20). Even Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and favor in the eyes of God and the people around him (Luke 2:52). This intangible blessing—the affection and endorsement of others—is hard to describe but easy to see. It opens doors of opportunity, softens relationships, and results in good things. It is a sign of God being with someone to give them unusual advantage in the circumstances of their lives.

How do you gain favor? According to examples in Scripture, it comes to those who are walking faithfully in the assignment God has given them. That’s it. That doesn’t mean every person walking in faithfulness will suddenly experience extravagant tangible blessings—sometimes, as with Joseph and Daniel, long seasons of hardship and struggle seem to line the road toward the opportunities and fruitfulness to come. But those seasons of opportunity and fruitfulness do come. Favor ensures them. A life of faithfulness does not go unrewarded, whether in this age or in the age to come.

Jesus declared his ministry to be an inauguration of an age of favor (Luke 4:19). We have the opportunity today to experience the favor of God. In fact, we already have experienced it in Christ, having received newness of life and a share in his inheritance. That means we can walk in the confidence that God is drawing people, opportunities, and blessings to us by the power of the Spirit in the proper time. All we have to do is steward them faithfully.

Seek God’s favor. Don’t make the mistake of interpreting it strictly in terms of health and wealth (though he does heal and provide), or of assuming that any hardship means you have stepped out of God’s will. Biblical examples do not support such views. But they do support the promise of God giving opportunities and fruitfulness to those who love and serve him humbly and faithfully. Do that, and expect his favor today. Doors will open. Breakthroughs will come. And God will make your ways straight and true.

{Lord, may I receive the favor you showed to Joseph, Daniel, and many others. In Christ, I receive the promise of a season of favor and the approval you bestowed on him. Open doors and increase my fruitfulness—for your glory. Amen.