Favor. That’s an interesting word. The dictionary says it means, “friendly regard shown toward another, especially by a superior.”

I started thinking about that word as I reread the account of Nehemiah. You remember, he was one of the Jewish people exiled from Jerusalem to Persia. He was assigned the role of cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. That was a key position, as it put Nehemiah with the King every day. Over time, he must have won the favor of the King.

One day, Artaxerxes noticed Nehemiah’s sad expression and asked what was wrong. This servant explained, “…the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.”

Then, to illustrate the favor Nehemiah had gained, the King asked what he could do. When the King and Queen heard that the cupbearer wanted to go back and help rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, they had one question.

“How long will you be gone?”

Favor.

Through his years of faithful service, Nehemiah had gained the King’s favor, and God honored that favor and used it to help Nehemiah accomplish an amazing work of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.

It is interesting that in the account of Jesus early life, Luke writes:

Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.

Luke 2:52 NLT

Favor.

Others in the Bible found favor, and the Lord used them to do amazing things. In Genesis 39, we see that Joseph found favor with Potiphar, and he ended up entrusting everything he owned to him.

Esther risked her life for her Jewish people and approached the King without being summoned. In Esther 5:2 we are told, “”As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight…” God used that favor to save the Jewish people from death.

Daniel is another who had God’s favor.

How do you find favor … with God and with people?

Solomon gave some important steps to consider if we are to gain favor for God’s purpose.

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.

Proverbs 3:3-4 NLT

Is your life marked by loyalty and kindness? Can others trust you, trust your word, trust your actions? Are you motivated by kindness toward others?

You build favor with God and with men by being faithful, loyal, and kind. For most of us, that requires a change of heart and a readjustment of our attitude. God first. Others second. And us… down the line. Yet we have this promise from the Lord.

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.

1 Peter 5:6 NLT

In what way does the Lord want to honor you for His purpose? Seek His favor, and see what Christ will do.

God’s best,