For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them ~ Psalms 44:3.
Introduction:
The Lord’s favour deserves a loud acknowledgement in the lives of all grateful believers today. Why? It takes the favour of God for anyone to become relevant and successful in this big, competitive and very fast world (1 Corinthian 15:10).
Please recall that favour defines as a grant of approval, or a preferment that provokes kindness, which is rendered without recourse to what you have done or left undone, or to your qualifications. Favour accords to a person an advantage beyond what is due him, and gives him an edge above others to the obvious level where it could be termed “partiality” or “ favoritism”.
Divine favour is not what we can earn, work for or deserve. It comes to us, not because we are perfect in God’s sight but because He loves us. Whenever He chooses to favour you, He looks within Himself, and beyond you to assist you. God will do just anything for you when He favours you. He can even kill for you if necessary (Isaiah 43:3).
We need God’s favour to open our doors, to gain acceptance and to bless the works of our hands before we can expect profit from our labours (Ecclesiastes 9:11). If the supernatural power of God is not favoring you, the supernatural power of the devil may oppress you.
Favour is the spring force of mercy, and it is the womb of spiritual life (Isaiah 60:10; Psalms 30:5). Nothing that we have, earned or could ever possess outside God can ever be sufficient for us in our quest for outstanding favour on earth. No, not at all. Our skills, education, intelligence, wisdom, connections, family background, strength or even strong desire for it is not enough (Romans 9:16).
Proven Potent Supernatural Catalysts for Uncommon Favour
I have seen in life that, in spite of the ample grants of divine favour, many people are still living below the line, not knowing how to take advantage of God’s favour, and activate it to enjoy sweat-less living (Job 10:12).
Generally, favour comes by pleasing God. Thus, anything that pleases Him will equally serve as a catalyst for His favour (John 8:29). For example, favour holds a very strong affinity for saints, and it is a special grant to the righteous (Proverbs 12:2; Psalm 5:12). When a man is genuinely born-again and chooses to walk righteously with Christ, he may have begun to prime himself for uncommon favours.
In particular, when your way is paved by the blood of Jesus, for Christ’s sake, your access to covenant favour is fully guaranteed. Favour was the direct result of the Passover, and it was invoked whenever the blood of atonement was sprinkled (Exodus 12:13; Leviticus 17:11). Indeed, favour and emptiness don’t cohabit (Exodus 3:21).
Furthermore, God’s favour responds to the spiritual law of seedtime and harvest, and only those who are wise enough to sow the seedlings of mercy enjoy the harvest of favour (Genesis 8:22). Life can be wonderful but there is a price attached to living (Galatians 6:7). When you cheerfully give it all it takes, you will receive all it offers very profusely (Psalm 45:12).
Additionally, you must be willing to recognize and accept God’s prophet appointed for your life in order to enjoy uncommon favour (2 Chronicles 20:20; Hosea 12:13). It’s the grace you respect and honor that will work for you. When a man experiences an abiding prophetic encounter, he comes under a prophetic cover that delivers to him a high degree of favour. Remember the separate encounters of Saul and David with Prophet Samuel, and their gracious impacts afterwards!
Meanwhile, you will also need an atmosphere conducive for the Holy Spirit — God’s Agent of Grace — to make it in the corridors of favour (Zechariah 4:6). When the Holy Spirit came upon David, he was preferred before the king and the palace doors were opened unto him (1 Samuel 16:13-14). However, it takes an ambience of high praise to significantly help in increasing the level of grace and anointing made available to you (2 Kings 3:15).
What’s more? Your addicted response to the demands of God’s kingdom equally determines your access to His favour. When you accept the responsibility to validly serve God and humanity, then you are creating for yourself a big room in the hall of favour (Psalm 102:13-14).
Service elevates people beyond any human comprehension. But, it must be sacrificial and only those who are ready go the extra mile and pay an extra price, not minding the pains or the inconveniences, are energized to serve (Nehemiah 10:32).
Our place of service is also our point of supernatural encounter with high favour. Serving God can uplift your face for fame and acceptance in quarters of importance, giving you a shoulder with which you climb to a vantage position in life.
David served his family by caring for his father’s flock. He served a mentor by caring for Saul in his infirmity via the musical anointing. He also served God’s kingdom when he voluntarily fought and eliminated Goliath, the aberrant personality, who defiled the armies of the Living God. No wonder, David was so anointed, blessed, and highly favoured.
Joseph, Joshua, Elisha, Samuel, Mordecai, Daniel, Deborah, Ruth and Esther similarly gained traction on their paths to uncommon favour through service. Serving God must be an incredible catalyst for uncommon favour, great accomplishments and durable influence in life.
Those who serve God don’t dwell in obscurity. You cannot serve the Most High God and expect to remain among the most low. Howbeit, love, humility, patience, integrity and faithfulness are the true hallmarks of acceptable services.
When you humbly serve God and humanity, you enlist yourself for favour and distinction without struggles. To do otherwise, however, can be a recipe for a cocktail of untold pains, angst and eventual destruction (Deuteronomy 28:47-48).
Friends and brethren, don’t be a busybody; be busy for God. Invest your treasures, talents and time to glorify God, then you will be surrounded with God's uncommon favour, and His goodness will chase and overtake you. When you obey and honor God by playing your roles with due respect to the supernatural catalysts enumerated above, your clouds will become fully loaded, and set to empty the rain of God’s blessings upon you as His favorite (Job 36:11).
It is your turn! Yes, this season, God will come through for you. The north door will release your blessings, and the east, the west and the south gates shall not to hold back your glory. A wind from the Lord will bring you quails, and the wealth of nations will load up in your address till you are, indeed, blessed and highly favoured, in Jesus name. Amen. Happy Sunday!
Rhema Christian Church,
Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
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