Luke 2:52 says, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

 

As I read this verse, I thought, “Well, of course, Jesus could have the favor of God and the favor of men.  He was sinless and pure, but what about everyone else?  Is favor only limited to the Son of God?” 

 

So, I began to search the Scriptures regarding the favor of God.  I discovered many examples of God’s divine favor.  I concluded that the favor of God is not something limited to the Son of God; it is available to everyone. 

 

For example, Genesis 6:8 (NIV) says, “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.”  The King James Version says, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”  As I thought about Noah, I realized that although he was regarded as being “righteous,” he was not perfect.  Yet because of God’s grace (unmerited favor), Noah and his family did not perish in the flood.

 

I recognized that we cannot earn God’s favor, yet God’s grace (unmerited favor) is freely available to everyone.  Ephesians 2:8 (NIV) declares, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

 

Sometimes it can seem like God has favorites.  We observe some people who seem to escape being ordinary, but this does not mean that any child of God is unimportant.  1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

 

Acts 10:34 (NIV) tells us that God does not show favoritism, but this does not mean that we will never feel “left out” or “overlooked.”  Sometimes we are unable to see the “favor of God.”  I have had times like that, and I have wondered whether God is fair and just.  But when I prayed about it, I received a response.  I did not hear the audible voice of God, but He gave me this message: “Open your eyes.  I’m trying to show you.”  So I began to anticipate and look for the favor of God.

 

Having the “favor of God” does not mean that you will never encounter trouble.  It does not mean that you will never have a flat tire, never have a health crisis, never lose your keys, never be audited by the IRS, or never have to face any kind of hardship.  But when you trust in the Lord in these troubling situations, He will provide the courage you need to persevere because of His divine favor.

 

There is a verse which provides assurance of the favor of God.  It is Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).  “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

 

Rev. Mary E. Stewart, pastor

Community Assembly of God of San Francisco

Devotional for February 17 through February 23, 2012