GOD'S FAVOUR - PART 1

FRIDAY 04 MARCH 2022

God's favour is divine favour and it is the description of the inner life and workings of the Spirit in a man's life which he experiences as a remarkable manifestation in the outward life. When the favour of God is at work, there is no such thing as an elusive access to good resources, wonderful effects and beneficial assets of this earthly life, as you walk with God. In fact every negative influence or ill fortune is notified to step aside and fade away as the Spirit of favour dominates your commitments.

Reference: Luke 2:14 New International Version (NIV) "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!"

If you are in Christ, God has favoured you. This is because everything about Christ is associated with favour. When Angel Gabriel came to foretell Jesus' birth, Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting it might be. But the angel told her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus.…" (Luke 1:29-30 NASB).

The name of Jesus is synonymous with favour. It portrays the character of favour and is alike in meaning, in operation and in all its possible significance. This is the reason Angel Gabriel reminded Mary firstly, that she had found favour with God before He delivered the message about Christ's birth. This was the same way an angel delivered the message to the shepherds living out and keeping watch over their flocks in the fields. In fact, the Scripture recorded that suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests" (Luke 2:13-14 NIV).

When the favour of God rests on a man, it wields a significant influence in that man's life. The word "favour" is translated from the Greek word "évnoia" which I define as "an approving consideration, attention or act shown towards someone by both God and man." For instance, Jesus Himself as a full man on earth (not His significant influence in our lives), increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men (Luke 2:52 NKJV). He cumulatively advanced in favour, an area of growth that is noteworthy both in heaven and on earth. Moreover, to be in union with Christ is not just to partake of His life, but also to be replete with divine favour.

Beloved, it is our heavenly Father's good pleasure to surround us [the righteous] with favour as with a shield because it causes us to glorify and praise Him for all the approval, goodness and testimonies it exerts or brings to bear in our lives (Psalm 5:12 AMP). As a born again Christian, the searching and seeking for favour comes to an end when you begin to take advantage of Christ's indwelt presence. This is because every dryness and every disadvantage is nullified as the Spirit of God, through Christ comes to dwell within you to execute His intelligence. As you form the habit of engaging in a continual feast on His Word, an inner joy that cannot be influenced or manipulated by external circumstances begins to well up on the inside and then produces favour in your earthly dealings and engagements. Stay tuned for part 2 of this topic. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Genesis 6:8; 1 Samuel 2:26; Genesis 39:21; Proverbs 8:35.

Guided Prayer: My Father in heaven, I do not forget your lovingkindness and favour which you have directed and bestowed upon my life through the wisdom of your Spirit in me. Your favour surrounds me like a shield and adds immense length of years, peace, prosperity and long life to my existence. My spirit stores and keeps your Word, such that I will not forsake your favour, mercy and truth; I bind them around the boundaries of my neck and write them on the tablet of my heart because I have found favour and high esteem in your sight and in the sight of all men, in Jesus' Name, Amen!