-Strength for Today-"God’s Favor in Your Life" -Proverbs 8:35

     The word favor, biblically is often taken out of context, because it is not related to anything bound to this earth. Favor is closely related to grace in the Bible. And the only way anyone can receive it is to accept, by faith Jesus as their Savior. When you are saved by grace through faith, (Ephesians 2:8–10), you know the favor of God.  Because without faith, it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6), but those who have saving faith in the Son of God are declared righteous.

    God seeks out those who love Him and love His commands so that He can bless, guide, and protect them, (Proverbs 3:5-6), now this does not mean that everyone who is healthy, of prosperous has favor with God, nor does it mean that those whom God favors will never suffer the difficulties of the world. Many people in the Bible had God’s favor but suffered hardships such as:

·       Noah,

·       Moses,

·       Daniel,

     Yet God showed them favor. Those who are favored of God know that He is with them and that nothing can happen to them apart from His good purpose - Romans 8:28. Those who are favored by God, have His ear as they walk through the dark valleys (Psalm 23:4;34:15) and know that their struggle to remain true to Him will not go unrewarded! God invites us to seek His favor. When we seek His favor:

·       We humble our hearts before Him, and  

·       Seek Him for Himself,

     Not just for the blessings He gives and arrange, but because of who He is, and what He has already done!

    One way to obtain favor from God is to seek wisdom. “For whoso findeth Me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the LORD” – Proverbs 8:35.

Hebrews 11:25 says of Moses, “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season” When the same can be said of us, we know we have found favor with God. His delight in us will be demonstrated.

Author: Plez Lovelady, Jr., PhD