PRINCIPLES OF LIVING BY DIVINE FAVOUR

By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi

Ex 3:20-22 NKJV “And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed.”

              The word ‘favour’ as used here is the Hebrew word ‘chen’ and it means graciousness, kindness, beauty, pleasant, precious. Therefore, when a person is under divine favour he or she experiences uncommon goodwill from others. In the New Testament, ‘favour’ is used interchangeably with the word ‘grace’.  Favour is the insurance policy against failure or defeat given to the believer who is committed to the spreading of the gospel and salvation of souls. It is the covenant right of every believer in Christ however, not all believers in Christ work in divine favour as they ought to . The scriptures say in James NKJV 4:6 “But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." James 4:10 NKJV “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” It is clear from this scripture that though God’s favour is available to all but only those who have passed the test of humility actually experience the promotion that comes from divine favour.

      The word ‘humble’ is the Greek word ‘tapeinos’ which means to be depressed, humiliated in circumstances or disposition, base, cast down, of low degree. Obedience to God exposes us to ridicule by men but our testimonies soon shut them up. Favoured men or women are often mocked and humiliated for their belief. It is the fear of being mocked that leads to pride which is; living to please the world while promoting Satan’s agenda. Our resources are either being used to promote Satan’s agenda or Christ’s ideal. God resists those who neglect missionary work in their investments: this is called sowing to the flesh (Ga 6:8) and is the reason behind corruption in our communities. Our resources are primarily for the spread of the gospel (Zech 1:17).

           The early church understood this and the scriptures say they enjoyed extraordinary favour wherever they went (Acts2:42-47). The church grew because people’s needs were being met. In Acts 4:33-35 NKJV “And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace (favour) was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,  and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.“ Their businesses flourished because God’s favour was upon both employers and employees due to their contributions to the spread of the gospel. Through the favour upon Christian employees, business owners are drawn to God (Gen39:2-4). God isn’t obligated to grant favour to anyone whose resources are not committed to the spread of the gospel. We are expected to grow in favour (2Pet3:18) .

          The more we commit our resources specifically to the spread of the gospel the more favour we’ll enjoy( luke 6:38)  . Peter had toiled all night using the best fishing techniques without catching a fish  but after Jesus used his boat as a platform to spread the gospel, Peter encountered favour and he and his partners had an overwhelming breakthrough against all odds (Luke5:1-7).God prospers our partners through us. Most persons want the catch first before they give their boat, this is a demonstration of their lack of faith in God, God can’t be mocked (Ga6:7).   

         God’s favour was upon Moses and those who weren’t ashamed to be identified with his mission. God will encompass you with His favour as you yield to His commands (Psalm 5:12,50:14-15). So shall it be with you in Jesus name  

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