What is the Favor of God?
Many people mistakenly associate God’s favor with material blessings, financial prosperity, or a life free of troubles. However, Scripture shows us that God’s favor is much deeper—it is His divine grace, presence, and purpose in our lives, even through hardships.
Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8), but that favor didn’t lead to an easy life; it led to years of hard labor, building an ark in the face of ridicule. Job was described as a man who found favor with God, yet he endured immense suffering, losing everything before God restored him. Joseph found favor with God, yet he was betrayed, enslaved, and imprisoned before God exalted him to a position of great authority.
God’s favor is not about avoiding trials—it is about being equipped to endure them for His glory.
"For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favor wilt thou compass him as with a shield." (Psalm 5:12, KJV)
You need to understand that finding God's favor isn't about crossing off checkboxes and saying, "Okay God, I’m ready for Your favor." God bestows His favor upon whom He chooses. However, as His children, we position ourselves to receive His favor by aligning our lives with His will. His favor follows those who seek Him with a humble heart and walk in obedience. Here are a few ways to seek the favor of God.
Faith is foundational to God’s favor. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Those who trust Him and walk in obedience find His favor.
"But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." (Genesis 6:8, KJV)
"If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land." (Isaiah 1:19, KJV)
Living a life of integrity and holiness attracts God’s favor.
"For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." (Psalm 84:11, KJV)
God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. A humble heart opens the door for His favor.
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time." (1 Peter 5:6, KJV)
Jesus said:
"He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward." (Matthew 10:41, KJV)
Throughout Scripture, those who received and honored God’s messengers experienced divine favor. The widow of Zarephath sustained Elijah and received supernatural provision (1 Kings 17:10-16). The Shunammite woman provided for Elisha and was blessed with a son (2 Kings 4:8-17).
Staying connected to God through prayer aligns us with His purpose and leads to favor.
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33, KJV)
The Scripture reminds us not to grieve the Holy Spirit:
"And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30, KJV)
The Holy Spirit is the seal of our salvation. When we are born again, we belong to God. Though we make mistakes in the flesh, we remain His. However, our actions can cause us to step out of His favor. Losing God’s favor does not mean losing salvation, but it can lead to a loss of fellowship, blessings, and spiritual effectiveness.
Ignoring God’s commandments leads to the loss of His blessings.
"Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king." (1 Samuel 15:23, KJV)
"I look around and see these other things that goes on and in that I start criticizing in my heart, see. And I don't want to get that way. If I do that, I will lose favor with God, see." 54-1003M | The Word Became Flesh (India Trip Report)
Nebuchadnezzar lost God’s favor because of his arrogance, and God humbled him.
"God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." (James 4:6, KJV)
Unrepentant sin separates us from God’s blessings.
"But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you." (Isaiah 59:2, KJV)
Putting anything above God in our lives causes us to step outside His favor.
"Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3, KJV)
The Holy Spirit is our guide, comforter, and the seal of God upon our lives. When we grieve Him through sin, rebellion, or ignoring His conviction, we step out of God’s favor.
“Now, the Holy Spirit is so timid, you know, very timid. And I must find favor with Him first.” – "The Hour Is Come" (51-0415E)
Even when we face difficulties, we may still be exactly where God wants us to be. Recognizing this truth allows us to trust Him through every season.
Joseph, while in prison, still had God’s favor. David, though anointed, spent years fleeing Saul before taking the throne. Job, despite suffering, remained in God’s favor and was restored.
God’s favor is not about avoiding trials but about being used for a greater purpose.
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV)
God’s favor is a gift, not something we earn. It is found in faith, obedience, and a surrendered life. As you seek Him, trust in His purpose, and remain faithful, His favor will guide you.
"Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14, KJV)
Even in hardship, know that God’s favor is upon you, leading you toward His greater plan.
Author
