In our walk with God, we often hear about His grace – that unmerited favour that brings us into salvation. But what happens after that initial embrace of divine love? How do we grow in our relationship with the Almighty and experience the fullness of His favour in our lives?
The concept of favour is beautifully illustrated in the lives of several biblical figures. Consider Jesus himself, who “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). This growth wasn’t automatic; it was a journey of faithfulness and obedience. Jesus exemplified what it means to live a life pleasing to God, and in doing so, He increased in favour.
Similarly, we see this pattern in the life of Samuel. From a young age, serving in the temple under less-than-ideal circumstances, Samuel “continued to grow in stature and in favour with the Lord and with people” (1 Samuel 2:26). His commitment to purity, obedience, and attentiveness to God’s voice set him apart. As a result, he became one of the greatest prophets in Israel’s history, leading the nation for decades with accuracy and authority.
But what about those living in more challenging times? Noah stands out as a beacon of righteousness in a world consumed by wickedness. Genesis 6:8 tells us that “Noah found favour in the eyes of the Lord.” This favour wasn’t randomly bestowed; it was earned through a life of integrity. Noah was described as righteous, blameless among the people of his time, and one who walked faithfully with God. For 120 years, he persevered in building the ark and preaching righteousness, despite ridicule and isolation.
The story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, offers another powerful example. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her, he greeted her as “highly favoured” (Luke 1:28). Mary’s humility, obedience, and faithfulness positioned her for this extraordinary calling. Her response, “May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38), exemplifies the attitude that attracts divine favour.
These accounts reveal a profound truth: while grace is freely given, favour is earned through faithful stewardship of that grace. It grows as we align ourselves with God’s word and walk in obedience to His will. Favour is not a one-time gift but the fruit of a life marked by love, righteousness, and humility.
So, how can we position ourselves to receive and grow in God’s favour?
1. Pursue Righteousness: Living rightly before God is crucial. As Psalm 5:12 declares, “Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favour as with a shield.” This righteousness isn’t just positional; it must be pursued and practised daily.
2. Walk in Humility: Scripture is clear – “God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble” (James 4:6). Humility acknowledges God as our source, others as valuable, and ourselves as stewards rather than sovereigns. It opens our ears to God’s voice and keeps our hearts soft and obedient.
3. Remain Faithful: Consistency in our walk with God, even in challenging times, attracts His favour. Noah’s 120-year commitment to building the ark exemplifies this faithfulness.
4. Be Obedient: Mary’s willingness to submit to God’s plan, despite the potential social and personal costs, demonstrates the power of obedience in attracting divine favour.
5. Cultivate a Pure Heart: Samuel’s dedication to serving God, even under poor leadership, highlights the importance of maintaining a pure heart and motives.
6. Grow in Wisdom: Jesus’ growth in wisdom paralleled His increase in favour. Seeking God’s wisdom in all areas of life positions us for greater favor.
It’s important to note that seeking God’s favour isn’t about manipulating Him for personal gain. Rather, it’s about aligning our lives with His will and character. As we do so, we naturally position ourselves to receive more of His blessing and influence.
Moreover, the pursuit of divine favour isn’t just for our benefit. As we grow in favour with God, we often find increased favour with people as well. This expanded influence becomes a powerful tool for Kingdom impact. Think of Joseph in Egypt or Daniel in Babylon – their favour with God translated into favour with people, allowing them to be agents of divine purpose in their spheres of influence.
The journey of growing in God’s favour also involves making the right choices in the face of adversity. Life inevitably brings challenges, disappointments, and even injustices. How we respond to these situations can either increase or decrease our favour with God. Choosing forgiveness over bitterness, trust in God over retaliation, and purity of heart over compromise are decisions that attract divine favour.
As we pursue this path of growing in favour, it’s crucial to remember that it’s a process. Just as Jesus and Samuel grew in favour over time, so too our journey will be one of gradual increase. There may be seasons where God’s favour seems more evident and others where it feels hidden. The key is to remain faithful, knowing that as we consistently seek to please God, His favour will manifest in His perfect timing.
In conclusion, the pursuit of divine favour is a noble and transformative journey. It challenges us to live beyond the basic tenets of our faith and to press into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. As we do so, we not only experience the joy of His pleasure but also become more effective instruments of His purpose in the world.
Let us then, with hearts full of gratitude for God’s grace, commit ourselves afresh to living lives worthy of His favour. May we, like Jesus, Samuel, Noah, and Mary, be known as those who find favour in the eyes of the Lord. And may that favour overflow, bringing light and blessing to a world in need of God’s touch.
