The Favour Factor

The Favour of God and Men

The Bible says, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Isn't it amazing that Jesus, the Son of God, had not only the favour of God, His Father, but also the favour of the people around Him? Then how much more do we need it!

How would our family be if we had the favour of men? It can be seen in the family of Hannah and Elkanah. Elkanah was a loving husband. He was there for Hannah through and in all circumstances. When God blessed Hannah with Samuel, Elkanah was joyful and showed his support fully.

When Elkanah was getting ready for the annual trip to the temple of God, Hannah requested some time until the child was weaned so that he could be left to stay there in the temple permanently. Hannah had great favour in her husband's eyes, and he said, “Whatever you think is best, stay here for now; may the Lord help you to keep your promise.”

How beautiful is the understanding between them! What an adorable couple! They stayed together while they waited for a long time for God to bless Hannah with a child. He showed complete support for Hannah's decision to offer the child to the service of God once they received him. He understood when she asked for time, though it was the family tradition to visit the temple together. He gave his wholehearted support to Hannah in everything.

How would our work be if we had supportive and fully trusting people around us to help us in the tasks we do? I mean, how would it be when we had the favour of men in our work? This can be seen in another incident from the Bible. This episode is about Jonathan and his armour-bearer, as recorded in 1 Samuel 14:7.

Here, Jonathan decides to go to the place where the Philistines are staying without the knowledge of King Saul or any Israelite in the camp. 1 Samuel 14:6 says, “Jonathan took only his armour-bearer.” Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether He has many warriors or only a few!

Next comes the beautiful reply from the armour-bearer. Verse 7 says, “Do what you think is best,” the armour-bearer replied. “I am with you completely, whatever you decide.” This shows that Jonathan had complete favour and dedication from his servant. And it led to a huge victory. How nice it would be if we had people who believed in our vision and worked with complete support! That comes only when the Lord gives us favour in their eyes.

Then comes another instance where a man found favour with God. God trusted him. Wow! It is David, and what is said about him is found in Acts 13:22:

“And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’”

This is simply awesome to comprehend. David gained the favour of God, and God trusted him. Of him, He said, “David will do all My will.” And it led David to one blessing after another. Jesus Himself was called the Son of David. He came in the line of David.

Hey, friend! Why do we need favour? People trust and support us when we find favour in their eyes. Finding favour with God brings us blessings beyond our comprehension. May we seek His favour and live in such a way that His grace is reflected in our relationships with others.

We will find peace in our family when we find favour in the eyes of our family members. We will find victory in our projects and in our careers when we have people's favour with us. Most importantly, we will be a blessing for generations to come when we have the favour of the Lord upon us. May God give us such grace.

Prayer

Dear God, may we find the favour of men in our family and in our workplace. May we find favour in Your eyes. May we find peace in our family, victory in our careers, and may we be kept as a blessing for generations by receiving Your favour upon our heads. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.