Finding Favor

Hannah received assurance that her prayers would be answered from the priest Eli.  He said to her, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him."  And she said, "Let your maidservant find favor in your sight."  Hannah needed favor from God.  Sometimes we ask other people for a favor.  We ask because there is something that we are not able to do and we need help.  We also need God's favor in our lives.  Hannah could not have children, and only through God's favor would she be able to conceive.  From the day Eli spoke, Hannah's face was no longer sad.  Samuel was born, and 1 Sam. 2:26 says, "And the child Samuel grew in stature and in favor both with the Lord and men."  This statement is so similar to Luke 2:52 where it is said, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."  There are parallels in the lives of Samuel and Jesus:  They were both born of supernatural birth, both dedicated to God, both served God, both were prophetic and lived by hearing the voice of God, and both increased in favor with God and men.  Pro. 3:3,4 tells us this favor is for us also.  "Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem, in the sight of God and man."  When we keep God's Word, and do not forget His law, we will find favor, both with God and man.  Look after the Word, and the Word will look after you.  Ps. 30:5 says, "For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life;  Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."  Joseph found favor in Potiphar's house, and in the prison.  Pro. 12:2 says, "A good man obtains favor from the Lord."  Deut. 33:23, "O Naphtali, satisfied with favor, and full of the blessing of the Lord, Possess the west and the south."  Favor brings us into the blessing of the Lord.  Favor makes what is impossible with men, to be possible.  Favor, like grace, is God's supernatural strength and ability.  With favor, we become possessors of God's blessings.  God's kindness is known to us by giving us favor.  His favor is for you!

Are you taking care of the Word, and depending on God's favor?