The Lord's Favor

 By: Lauren Thomas 

Lately, I’ve been intrigued by the idea of “the favor of the Lord.” What is it? What does it mean? How do I get it? Does having it mean life would be easier?

 

In the Old Testament, Noah was one of only two individuals explicitly described as having found favor in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8; Exodus 33:17). The favor that God showed to Noah resulted in salvation from a worldwide flood. This salvation came through an ark. While all humanity was destroyed by water, Noah, his wife, his sons, and their wives, were saved because Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.

The Old Testament is full of types and shadows that point us to Christ. The ark is one type and shadow of Jesus. Just as Noah was saved from God’s wrath and judgement by entering an ark, we are saved from eternal judgement by putting our faith in Jesus. In John 10:9 Jesus calls himself the door through which we can enter and be saved. He is our ark.

 

Up until 2022, I felt strongly that I had the favor of the Lord. Why? Because my life was relatively easy. But a series of difficulties over the next two plus years had me questioning if I was truly “blessed and highly favored.” Now, I believe I am favored. And I believe you are too.

 

Why?

 

Imagine being one of those 4 women on the ark. For 370 days you are shut up in an enclosed boat – tight quarters - with loud, stinky animals. You have struggled with sea sickness. You’ve endured the trauma of the unknown, you’ve endured the trauma of thinking of all those who didn’t get on the boat. You’ve wondered about what kind of future you’ll meet once this all ends. Nothing about that sounds pleasant. And yet, God mercifully preserved you.

 

For you bless the righteous, O Lord;

you cover him with favor as with a shield.

Psalm 5:12 ESV

 

God’s favor shields us from judgement. But God’s favor will not shield us from anything that could bring us closer to him. Those things I went through starting in 2022 brought me closer to God. He did not shield me from pain, but ultimately, he is shielding my life from evil. Because favor is not a carefree life; favor is a life that God lovingly saves.

 

Today, if you are reading this, God is extending his favor to you in offering you salvation through his son, Jesus. Get on the boat, and receive that favor!

 

Reflection:

Read Genesis 6-9. Imagine you are on the boat with Noah. 

How is Jesus your ark? Have you ever correlated God’s favor with a carefree life? What difficulties has God allowed in your life, and how have they brought you closer to him?