Favor of the Month

“But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; He showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in prison, and he was mad responsible for all that was done there.”- Genesis 39:20b-22

A word that has been on my mind a lot lately is “Favor”. It is a word I am thinking about, believing in, wanting to take hold of, and will be teaching on in our June series called DREAM BIG.

Throughout the Bible we see people who receive incredible open doors, immeasurable kindness, and impactful assignments: Daniel is placed as the chief wisemen in Babylon; Ruth receives extra provision while gleaning in Boaz’s fields; and all of Israel are recipients of precious gifts as they depart from Egypt. Part of the Lord’s loving plan for our lives is bestowing favor and setting us apart in the sight of others. Psalm 90:17 speaks to possessing the Lord’s grace and strength in our lives, “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”

It is important to possess a biblical perspective of what favor is all about. Although, favor can mean experiencing open doors, receiving approval from others, and gaining audience before high-profile folks, it is so much more than that. To have favor is not all about being chosen, people always saying “yes”, landing the dream job, or even getting a sweet deal on a big-time purchase. Listen to James 4:3 for a reminder to use (not abuse) our favor, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”

True favor encompasses our taking care of it by touching the lives of others. The Biblical examples we referenced earlier were placed in high positions and received amazing provisions for the sake of others. They exemplified the stewardship of responsibility and charity. Joseph becomes second in command in Egypt, because God wanted to use him to save the world from a seven-year famine; Daniel received supernatural wisdom and discernment, because God wanted to keep Israel safe while in captivity; Ruth finds favor with Boaz, because God wanted to use their family for the line of the Messiah to flow from.

If you receive promotion at your job, may you be used to bless your company/supervisor and be available to co-workers who could use support and encouragement. If your offer is accepted when buying a home, may you be used to be a good and helping neighbor on your street. If you are chosen for a special task, a leading role, or a starting position on the team at your school, may you be used to lead others, so they are better because of you and rise to the occasion too.

And above all let’s allow every moment of favor to be an opportunity to share our faith, exhibit humility, and give God the glory. Let’s follow Jesus in walking and growing in favor. Luke 2:52, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”