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
Prayers / counseling +234 809
853 6911, (partnership) +234 803 553 6911
Email;
michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
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