God’s Favor

So Potiphar left all that he owned in Joseph’s care; he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. (Genesis 39:6)

The warden did not bother with anything under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him, and the Lord made everything that he did successful. (Genesis 39:23)
Joseph was undeniably a man on whom the favor of God rested. And who doesn’t want the favor of God in their lives? Some of us have even adopted the angelic proclamation over the Savior’s mother as our own, declaring, “I am blessed and highly favored.” But in our desire for God’s favor, have we also embraced its multi-layered purpose in our lives? Have we thought about, and do we understand, the why behind God’s favor?

Joseph, a Hebrew captive, had been sold as a slave to Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Joseph’s low position was an opportunity for the favor of God to manifest. But trial was at the door waiting for opportunity to manifest as well. And soon, for reasons not of his own agency, Joseph found himself in prison.

Yet in prison, the favor of God again found itself resting on Joseph. And the Lord was with Joseph and He showed him steadfast love.

May I suggest that some very important questions arise from the story of Joseph’s life regarding favor? For example, what is the purpose of God’s favor in our lives? And how does the favor of God unfold itself in our lives? Is it for favor’s sake that God’s favor is upon us? Or is there something more?

Notice the blessing not upon Joseph, but rather on Potiphar and also the prison warden,

“He did not concern himself,” “He [the warden] did not bother with anything.”

Here we see the favor of God bringing blessing not for Joseph’s consumption, but rather for Potiphar and for the prison’s warden. Could it be that God’s favor rests upon us not for our own benefit, but for the benefit of others? Would you consider that His favor in your life may be to give your supervisor reprieve and rest; or to bring your husband joy and comfort. Could there be a greater purpose to God’s favor in your life than simply to the service of self?

Has God’s favor shown itself in your talents, giftings, or abilities? If so, then let us not spend the favor of God on self, but instead in keeping with its multi-layered meaning and underlying purpose, use it to benefit others. God is writing a story with our lives and His favor plays a specific role in that story.

It may be our tendency to firstly think of God’s favor as something that is for our benefit; and no doubt we do benefit from the favor of God. But can we look beyond ourselves to the impact of our lives, His favor being a part of that, on others? How does the favor of God in my life bring blessing to others?

As a practical example, do you bring relief to your manager at work? Can he assign a task knowing that it will be done well and on time? God’s favor gives that ability. We are the salt of the earth, and God is glorified when our lives reflect who He is. Can your manager sit back and say of you, like Potiphar, I’m not worried about what they are doing, it will be done well, I will just concern myself with what I need to do. Does your manager feel like he can eat his lunch without stress because of you?

If we don’t understand that the favor of God is not favor for favor’s sake, we will be dismayed when trouble comes our way, for we will think that God is no longer with us. But when we understand that the favor of God is ultimately for His purposes, we will find rest in both times of ease and times of difficulty.

Favor is multilayered in its purpose and effect.

The favor of God on Joseph’s life not only moved him to the position of second in command of all Egypt; there was a greater purpose. Through Joseph many would be saved from starvation - including his own family. And beyond that, part of God’s plan was to grow the nation of Israel, bring great deliverance to them, and show His power and glory through the Exodus story.
And even beyond that God was creating a mystery, hidden in this great saga, to be revealed thousands of years later - the deliverance of people from their bondage to sin through the Messiah, Jesus Christ. God’s favor in your life is so not all about you. He has a plan and His favor pulls you into that plan. So, is it wrong to ask for favor? Absolutely not, only let us not ask “amiss”, with wrong motives, but instead embrace His will in our lives for our benefit and for His glory. 

Reference Scriptures

Joseph found favor with his master and became his personal attendant. (Genesis 39:4)

He granted him favor with the prison warden. (Genesis 39:21)

The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." (NIV Luke 1:28)

And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” (NKJV Luke 1:28)

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. (Genesis 50:20)

When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. (James 4:3)