DAY 7 – Favor Follows Righteousness | Firm Foundation Devotional
Esther 2:8-9 …Esther also was taken to the king’s palace, into the care of Hegai the custodian of the women. 9 Now the young woman pleased him, and she obtained his favor; so he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besides her allowance.
Romans 14:17, For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.
Favor is a necessary component in life. We all hope to achieve success and recognition based on our merits, education, experience, and willingness to work hard. God has given us abilities and grace to acquire skills that we can use in life, work, and ministry.
Virtues and achievement like hard work and education are not enough. We need favor both with God and man. Favor means to give special regard to; to treat with goodwill; and to show exceptional kindness to someone. Favor often carries the benefit of preferential treatment.
Favor comes both in natural and supernatural ways. We usually only think about favor from God's supernatural perspective.
Esther received favor from the King because she was beautiful (Esther Chapter Two). This was an example of natural favor. Many people have obtained favor because of their physical appearance or other traits that people find pleasing. Natural favor is something that you should not dismiss especially when it seems you may have the "deck stacked" against you at times.
There are things we can do to increase our acceptability to others, and thus increase in favor by that measure. We should do our best to present ourselves well outwardly. Other factors of natural favor are found in performing actions in an excellent manner and in possessing an exceptionally good attitude. Doing something very well can overcome other limiting factors in the eyes of others.
Natural favor has its role in life, but God's supernatural favor is what we need more than anything. God's favor comes because of His mercy, His love, redemption provided through Christ, and His grace. God also honors the obedience, faith, and good works of his people. There are benefits that come from "doing those things that are pleasing in His sight." (1 John 3:22)
Doing that which pleases God is a key component of living in God's favor. We don't please God to get stuff. We please Him because we love the Lord. Receiving blessings and benefits are the welcome by-product of a fruitful relationship with Christ.
Favor follows those who pursue righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 102:13 You will arise and have mercy on Zion; For the time to favor her, Yes, the set time, has come.
Reflection Question: What favor has God shown you today?
My Action Item(s) Based on Understanding:
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