Divine Favor
Walking in Blessing Beyond Mercy
We have all heard words used many times out of context of their biblical meaning: words like “blessed,” “grace,” “favor,” and “love.” These words have a responsibility attached to them, and they require character. They describe God’s goodness. However, there’s a crucial distinction between simply receiving blessings and actively walking in divine favor. This distinction lies in how we align our lives with His will. Divine favor surpasses the unearned blessings that God freely bestows upon us. It’s a state of growth as we make right choices and honor God by living in agreement with His divine purpose for our lives. So, how can we cultivate divine favor? What does it look like to make right choices and live for God intentionally?
1. The Blessing of God’s Mercy
God’s mercy is the cornerstone of our faith. It’s His love in action, His willingness to forgive our sins and overlook our imperfections even when we don’t deserve it. As the Bible proclaims, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not” (Lamentations 3:22). Mercy is an abundant gift that flows directly from God Himself. It remains accessible to everyone and invites us to experience His best.
Receiving mercy depends on God’s nature. Even when we make mistakes, He blesses us. These blessings are expressions of His mercy, reminders of His steadfast love. While mercy saves and sustains us, it doesn’t necessarily deepen our relationship with God. Mercy may prevent us from destruction, but favor propels us into our divine purpose.
2. The Distinction Between Mercy and Favor
Divine favor, unlike mercy, reflects a deeper walk with God. It is a life aligned with God’s principles. It’s an expression that God is pleased with us, granting us influence, opportunities, and even allowing us to influence others to turn to God. When we walk in divine favor, it means that God guides us and protects us from things around the corner that we cannot see coming.
The lives of Joseph, Daniel, and Esther show us how divine favor lifts people from their obscurity and poverty to a place of influence and authority. Although mercy is a part of such spiritual blessings, each one of these biblical characters made deliberate choices that revealed their commitment to God and His purpose.
Joseph chose integrity over immediate gain, even in prison. Daniel resisted defiling himself with the king’s food, and Esther risked her life to save her people. These decisions came with a high price tag, but they paid the price and positioned themselves to receive the spiritual power that impacted nations.
Growing in divine favor requires intentional and wise choices. Proverbs 3:3-4 shows us how to do just that by stating, “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” Writing God’s word on our hearts enables us to live a life that acquires the favor of God. Favor isn’t the result of isolated good deeds but the fruit of a life dedicated to daily living biblical principles. Therefore, to cultivate divine favor, we must live life on purpose and choose His purpose.
There are practical ways to position ourselves for favor:
Pursue Righteousness.
Psalm 5:12 shows us this truth, “For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.” What does righteousness mean? It refers to living in alignment with God’s character and living in truth with compassion and righteousness. Choosing God’s way, even when challenging or unpopular, positions us to receive God’s favor.
Cultivate a Heart of Service
When we cultivate a heart of service, we obtain God’s favor. Jesus Himself taught us that the greatest among us would be our servants (Matthew 23:11). Serving others, especially when there’s no personal gain, is the heart of the gospel and attracts divine favor.
Seek God Daily
We must always seek God’s presence more than His gifts. All of us desire God’s blessings. Furthermore, we need His blessings every day. But nothing gains favor like prioritizing our daily walk and relationship with Him. The Psalmist confirms this when he says, “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek…to behold the beauty of the Lord” (Psalm 27:4). A genuine desire for God’s presence fosters intimacy and draws His favor. He delights in those who yearn to know Him intimately.
Obey Him in the Small Matters
When we obey in small matters, it gets God’s attention. It is a crucial component when we learn to honor him in the little things. Luke 16:10 reminds us of this truth, “he that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” Small acts of obedience, which are a better indicator of true integrity, are always rewarded by God.
It might look insignificant when we obey His voice, but the impact can be powerful and life-changing. It is God’s way of testing our character as He prepares us for greater service and blessing. As we grow in favor, doors open for our ministry to advance the kingdom. Favor is a privilege, but never forget it is also a divine responsibility to impact others for the advancement of the kingdom.
Esther, for instance, found favor in the king’s eyes, but her mission was to deliver her people. Joseph’s favor in Egypt was to preserve his family during a famine. Recognizing that our blessings are meant to serve others and advance God’s kingdom is essential to walk in the character and spirit of Jesus.
However, growing in favor also requires humility. As God elevates us, it’s crucial to remember that favor is a gift, not a reward for our superiority. King Uzziah, who began his reign under God’s favor, eventually fell into pride, which led to his downfall (2 Chronicles 26). Stay humble and keep a thankful heart. You will protect yourself from the pitfalls of entitlement and find God is faithful to His promises.
When you choose to walk in God’s favor you learn to live according to His principles. It’s an invitation to walk with Him as a friend and one who is privy to His plans. Now, we can say that we are partners with Him.
It is good for us to remember that divine favor is not an entitlement but a treasure to be cherished and a blessing that empowers us to live our lives for the glory of God. When we make this choice, we receive favor beyond blessings—a favor that opens doors, shapes destinies, and transforms lives.
