Favor is something many people desire.
Everyone wants to be chosen, blessed, or given opportunities that seem out of reach.
Some think of favor as luck, while others see it as something earned.
But what does the Bible say about favor?
Is it something God freely gives, or is it something people must work for?
Scripture is filled with examples of God’s favor and how it impacts the lives of those who receive it.
Let’s explore what biblical favor really means, how it works, and how we can experience it in our own lives.
Favor Comes from God
The Bible makes it clear that true favor comes from God.
Psalm 5:12 says, “Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”
God’s favor is like a shield, offering protection, blessing, and opportunity.
It is not just about material things—it is about God’s presence and His hand guiding every situation.
Proverbs 3:3-4 encourages, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
Favor is not just about receiving blessings but about living in a way that honors God.
When someone walks in love and faithfulness, they naturally experience favor both from God and from people.
Biblical Examples of Favor
The Bible is full of stories where God’s favor changed lives in powerful ways.
Noah found favor with God in a time when the world was filled with wickedness.
Genesis 6:8 says, “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.”
Because of this favor, Noah and his family were saved from the flood and given a fresh start.
Joseph also experienced God’s favor, though his journey was filled with hardship.
Genesis 39:2-4 says, “The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.”
Even though Joseph was sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned, God’s favor never left him.
That favor positioned him to become second in command in Egypt and to save countless lives during a famine.
Esther, an ordinary Jewish girl, also found favor in extraordinary ways.
Esther 2:17 says, “Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.”
God’s favor placed her in a position of influence, where she later saved her people from destruction.
Each of these stories teaches that favor is not about being perfect or having an easy life.
God’s favor often comes in unexpected ways and can turn even the worst situations around for His glory.
How to Receive God’s Favor
Many people wonder how they can experience God’s favor in their lives.
While favor is a gift from God, the Bible gives insight into how we can walk in it.
One of the most important steps is obedience to God.
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 says, “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God.”
Obedience brings blessings and favor.
When people align their lives with God’s will, they position themselves to receive His goodness.
Another key to favor is seeking wisdom.
Proverbs 8:35 says, “For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord.”
Wisdom leads to good decisions, and good decisions attract God’s favor.
Humility is also essential.
James 4:6 says, “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’”
When people humble themselves before God, they make room for His favor to work in their lives.
Living a life of kindness and generosity also brings favor.
Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
God blesses those who bless others.
When people live with open hands and hearts, favor follows them.
The Connection Between Favor and Faith
Favor and faith often go hand in hand.
Throughout Scripture, those who experienced God’s favor were people of great faith.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was highly favored by God.
Luke 1:30 says, “But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.'”
Mary’s favor was connected to her faith.
She trusted God’s plan, even when it was difficult.
Hebrews 11, often called the “Hall of Faith,” lists many who found favor with God because of their faith.
Abraham, Moses, and David were all examples of people who walked in favor because they believed in God’s promises.
When faith is strong, favor follows.
Faith positions people to receive what God has in store.
The Purpose of God’s Favor
God’s favor is not just about making life easier.
It always has a greater purpose.
His favor is meant to bring glory to His name and to bless others.
Esther received favor so she could save her people.
Joseph received favor so he could provide during a famine.
Nehemiah received favor from the king so he could rebuild Jerusalem.
God’s favor is not just for personal gain—it is a tool for kingdom impact.
2 Corinthians 9:8 says, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
When God blesses someone with favor, it is so they can be a blessing to others.
When Favor Seems Absent
There are times when it feels like God’s favor is missing.
Prayers seem unanswered, doors seem closed, and struggles seem endless.
But even in these moments, God is still at work.
Psalm 30:5 says, “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
Seasons of difficulty do not mean God’s favor is gone.
Sometimes, His favor is working behind the scenes, preparing something greater.
Joseph spent years in prison before he saw the full picture of God’s favor.
David was anointed king but faced many hardships before taking the throne.
Sometimes, favor is delayed because God is building character and strengthening faith.
Romans 8:28 reassures, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Even when it doesn’t feel like it, God’s favor is still present.
Living in Expectation of God’s Favor
Walking in God’s favor means living with expectation.
It means trusting that He is good, that He is working, and that He has good plans.
Psalm 84:11 says, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”
God delights in blessing His children.
Living in His favor is not about striving—it is about staying close to Him, trusting His timing, and believing in His promises.
Final Thoughts
The Bible teaches that favor is a powerful gift from God.
It is not based on luck but on God’s grace, obedience, faith, and His greater purpose.
Those who walk in humility, seek wisdom, and trust God’s plan position themselves to receive His favor.
Even in difficult seasons, His favor is still at work, shaping lives and preparing blessings.
God’s favor is meant to be shared, used to impact others and glorify His name.
When you seek Him first, trust in His goodness, and live with a heart that honors Him, favor will follow.
His blessings are not just for a moment—they are for a lifetime.