Favor Cometh Text: Isaiah 1:18-20
I heard the story of a secretary who was a single mom. She had lived in rental properties for 15 years, rearing two children on her own and had recently purchased her own home. But the home purchase became a strain.
She went on to explain that her "ex" had recently taken her to court in order to reduce child support, and she had to hire a lawyer in order to avoid an even more difficult financial situation.
Without a moment's hesitation her boss spoke up "What you need is favor?"
"What do you mean 'favor'?" was her response. He said, "There are times when we can ask for favor, just because." The truth is God is a generous Father who loves to give extravagantly to his children, especially single moms.
The boss spoke, "Lord Jesus, favor for Leann.
She asked, "Is that all you have to say?" She said, “Is that all? The boss nodded as if to say 'yes" and left her office to meet with his client.
The next day the secretary was all smiles. She had gone to lunch with a friend. Her friend hired the secretary (knowing her work schedule and demands of being a single mom) to paint the interior of the friend's large house for $1000. Her friend allowed the secretary to paint the house after work and on weekends. It was more than enough money to cover the money stresses. The boss told Leann, "That is what I mean by God's favor."
“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; 20 But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword”; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Notice, at the beginning, and ending of these verses there is a small but big word- ‘If!‘ God desires for you to reason with Him. Before I talk about favor- “What is favor?” Favor isn’t an accident, but a deliberate design by God to reward you for acts of obedience invisible to others. Favor is when God causes someone to desire to become a problem solver in your life. Favor is an attitude of goodness toward you. Favor is the willingness, desire and participation of someone to help you advance or obtain something you want.
Listen to the Message Bible in Isaiah 1:18-20TM “Come. Sit down. Let’s argue this out.” This is God’s Message: “If your sins are blood-red, they’ll be snow-white. If they’re red like crimson, they’ll be like wool. If you’ll willingly obey, you’ll feast like kings. But if you’re willful and stubborn, you’ll die like dogs.” That’s right. God says so.
Wise hearts look for opportunities to sow favor!
Listen to Isaiah 1:19 again, If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.
“Favor isn’t a mere miracle, but a reward for faithfulness!”
The first way that favor is unleashed in your life is by, “Your desire for wisdom!”
Proverbs 8:32-35NKJ Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways. 33 Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it. 34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. 35 For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD;
Solomon say’s, Listen, my children. Blessed if you keep My ways. Hear instruction and be wise. Don’t disobey me in this! Blessed is the man who listens to me. Watch and waiting at the door. Whoever finds Me finds life and obtains favor from God!
Secondly, Diligence creates favor!
Proverbs 13:4 The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing, but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.
Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase.
Thirdly, An understanding heart attracts favor.
Understanding people, and their needs listening with you’re heart- understanding a teacher, an instructor or a mentor brings favor.
Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding gains favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
One Man said, “There are no mistakes, no coincidences. All events are blessings given to us to learn from.”
Fourth, appropriate and right words often generate favor from those around you.
Proverbs 18: 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
Proverbs 16:13NLT The king is pleased with words from righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly.
Fifth, Humility generates favor.
Proverbs 15:33KJ The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.
Sixth, An uncommon skill or anointing often creates favor!
Daniel 2:47-48KJ The king answered Daniel, and said, “Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret.” 48 Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts; and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon.
Seventh, Repentance brings favor!
I Peter 5:6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
2 Chronicles 7:14NLT Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
Finally, favor increases when you associate with people of integrity!
Remember Boaz had a great reputation for integrity. Ruth gleaned in his field. (That association brought blessings to all involved!)
Benediction.
Sources:
1. http://jerylhartt.com/Favor_Stories.html Story on Favor.
