What Does It Mean To Be Highly Favored By God
Being highly favored by God is an incredible blessing that few truly understand. If you have ever wondered what it really means and why it matters, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Being highly favored by God means experiencing His supernatural blessings, empowerment, and assignments in extraordinary ways to advance His kingdom purposes on earth.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore questions like: What does the Bible say about God’s favor? What are examples of people who walked in unusual degrees of God’s favor? What common misconceptions exist? How can you increase in favor? And more.
Understanding Biblical Favor
Defining the Favor of God
The favor of God refers to blessings, benefits, promotion, protection, and opportunities that God bestows on His beloved children. It goes beyond material prosperity and includes peace, joy, wisdom, fulfillment, and success in pursuing His will (Deuteronomy 28:1-14).
God’s favor surrounds the righteous like a shield (Psalm 5:12) and establishes them for greatness (Psalm 89:17).
Examples of Favor in Scripture
Throughout Scripture, we see God bestowing favor on His faithful followers. For instance, God showed favor to Noah and his family by warning them of the coming flood and instructing them to build an ark (Genesis 6:8).
The life of Joseph is also a remarkable example of how God can change circumstances from the worst to the best and elevate a person from the prison to the palace through divine favor (Genesis 39:21). Other examples include the favor shown to Ruth (Ruth 2:10), Queen Esther (Esther 2:17), and Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:28).
Covenants That Release Favor
God grants favor based on His covenants or spiritual contracts with His people. When we align ourselves with these covenants through faith and obedience, we release the flow of His favor. Examples include:
- The Abrahamic Covenant – God promised to bless Abraham and make him into a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). This blessing extends to all his descendants who align themselves with Abraham’s faith.
- The New Covenant – God writes His laws on our hearts, forgives our sins, and establishes a new relationship through the blood of Christ (Jeremiah 31:31-34). This makes us righteous before God and qualifies us for His blessings.
- The Covenant of Prosperity – God promises material blessings and prosperity to those who obey His commandments and pursue His kingdom above all else (Deuteronomy 28:1-14; 3 John 1:2).
Marks of the Highly Favored
Supernatural Blessing and Increase
Those who are highly favored by God experience His supernatural blessing and increase in remarkable ways (Luke 1:28). This can manifest as supernatural promotion, financial provision, and open doors of opportunity that exceed natural expectations.
As Proverbs 10:22 declares, “The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.”
Tangible Manifestations of God’s Presence
Individuals who walk in divine favor also encounter tangible manifestations of God’s presence on a regular basis (Psalm 16:11). This includes a strong awareness of His grace, peace to guard their hearts and minds, joy despite circumstances, unusual revelation and spiritual discernment, and even angelic visitations.
As Moses experienced, “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend” (Exodus 33:11).
Unusual Spiritual Influence and Impact
Finally, the highly favored operate with an unusual spiritual influence that extends beyond the natural realm. As Jesus told His followers, “You are the light of the world.” This favor empowers them for supernatural ministry that defies human logic, leading many to Christ.
For example, the favor on Paul’s life caused extraordinary growth of the early church (Acts 19:20).
Misconceptions About Favor
Favor Is Not Automatic
Many people wrongly assume that if you’re a Christian, you’ll automatically receive God’s favor no matter what. But the Bible makes it clear that’s not how it works. God’s favor is conditional upon our obedience and faithfulness to Him.
We can’t just coast through life expecting blessings and prosperity without cultivating an intimate relationship with God. His favor flows out of our reverence, worship, and wholehearted devotion to Him.
Favor Does Not Remove Challenges
Another misconception is that having God’s favor means everything will go smoothly and we’ll face no trials. But the truth is that we all face difficulties in this fallen world. Even faithful believers endured persecution, imprisonment, shipwrecks, and other hardships (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).
Experiencing God’s favor does not exempt us from the realities of spiritual warfare and living in a sin-cursed world. But it does mean we never face the challenges alone. God’s presence, strength and grace sustain us.
Favor Is Not Earned, But Freely Given
Many wrongly think if they just work hard enough, they’ll earn God’s blessings and favor. But we could never merit God’s favor through our own efforts. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, “For by grace you have been saved through faith.
And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” We can’t earn salvation or favor – they are freely given by God’s grace when we put our faith in Christ. Surrendering to His Lordship releases supernatural favor, not striving in our own strength.
Partnering With God’s Favor
Living in Communion With God
To live in communion with God means to have an intimate, close relationship with Him. This involves regular prayer, Bible reading, worship, and listening to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. As we draw near to God, He promises to draw near to us (James 4:8).
Staying connected to God keeps us aligned with His purposes and opens the door for His favor.
For example, those who commune with God receive instruction, wisdom, and insight for life’s decisions both big and small. They are also more likely to act with integrity in their relationships and work because they are accountable to God.
Walking in close communion with the Lord leads to blessings like supernatural provision, protection, and promotion.
Walking in Obedience and Integrity
God’s favor follows those who walk in obedience to His Word and with integrity in their dealings. The Bible says the prayers of the upright are delightful to the Lord (Proverbs 15:8). When we honor God with our actions, it unleashes His blessings.
For instance, tithing and giving offerings are acts of obedience that demonstrate trust in God’s provision. He rewards those who are faithful in stewarding their finances by pouring out financial blessings that cannot be contained (Malachi 3:10-11).
Additionally, operating with integrity and ethical practices in business can cause exponential increase and favor from customers or clients.
Having a Kingdom Mindset
Thinking and living with an eternal perspective positions us for divine favor. When our priorities align with God’s kingdom purposes, He is pleased to support the work of our hands.
For example, those who use their gifts and talents to build God’s kingdom experience supernatural empowerment and productivity. Their work is blessed because it has lasting spiritual impact. Whether through ministry, business, arts, or politics, when our mindset focuses on advancing God’s kingdom, we partner with His grace and favor.
Prayers and Declarations for Favor
God’s favor can open doors of opportunity and blessing in amazing ways. Here are some prayers and declarations to help call forth divine favor into your life:
Prayers for Favor
“Heavenly Father, I come to You in Jesus’ name asking for Your supernatural favor to be released in my life today. I declare that Your favor surrounds me like a shield and opens doors of blessing that no man can shut (Psalm 5:12).
Lord, I ask that You go before me today and make my paths straight (Proverbs 3:6). I believe You have appointed favor and honor for my life because I fear You (Psalm 8:4-5). Let me find grace and mercy in Your sight and the sight of those around me.
I ask for divine alignments and supernatural connections to come my way. I declare that this will be a day marked by divine favor and the blessings of God. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
“Lord, I thank You that Your favor allows me to overcome every battle and challenge. I declare that your favor is my portion and my inheritance as Your child (Psalm 44:3). I submit my plans to You today and ask You to guide me and order my steps into Your divine destiny and purpose for my life.
I declare that doors of favor are open over my life. New opportunities, connections, and blessings are coming my way. What You have for me is for me. I declare this by faith in Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Declarations for Favor
- “The favor of God is on my life today. His blessings are chasing me down and overtaking me (Deuteronomy 28:2).”
- “As I walk in God’s ways and follow His heart, divine favor attends to me and everything I put my hands to (Psalm 90:17).”
- “The favor of God surrounds me like a shield. I walk in favor wherever I go (Psalm 5:12).”
- “The Lord’s face shines on me and is gracious to me today (Numbers 6:25).”
- “I have found grace and favor in the eyes of God and man (Luke 2:52).”
- “Favor is released today to bring forth divine opportunities and breakthroughs in my life.”
As we align ourselves with God’s heart and purposes through prayer and faith-filled declarations, we open the door for His supernatural favor to operate in our lives. This favor can connect us to life-changing blessings, opportunities, prosperity and breakthroughs that will take us to new levels in God.
Staying close to the Father and speaking forth His truth by faith allows His favor to be continually released over our lives.
Conclusion
Walking in the supernatural favor of God is within reach for every believer. While it’s not something we can earn, we can certainly partner with Him through cultivating intimacy in our relationship with Christ.
As you prioritize seeking God’s face above all else, read His Word, obey what He shows you, and serve His purposes on the earth, you’ll be amazed at the increase of favor, blessing, and spiritual influence you begin to walk in.
God delights in pouring out His favor upon His children. Determine today to pursue the things that precede and release greater dimensions of Kingdom favor over your life.
