The prophet Isaiah reveals the same fact about a season for God’s favour. He says, “This is what the Lord says: “In the time of my favour I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances” (Isaiah 49:8 NIV).
God’s “set time” is when he decides to visit his people like when he visited the man by the pool of Bethsaida during a Jewish feast. God’s “set time” may be different for every one of us, but whenever we arise to seek him, or whenever we are prompted by the Holy Spirit, that may be the “set time” for him to release his favour upon us.
God’s favour is his divine kindness, which he gives to undeserving creatures. God’s favour is a gift, which we don’t work for. Though it is a gift, we can ask God for his favour. Hannah did nothing to deserve the favour of God; she simply asked for it. Zacharias did nothing to deserve the favour of God, but he prayed for it. The Psalmist says, “I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: Be merciful unto me according to thy word.” (Psalm 119:58 KJV). You can ask for his favour.
Though you can pray and ask for God’s favour, a number of factors will determine if your prayers will be answered. For instance, would it bring glory to God? Would it bring honour and praise to God? Would it exalt the name of Jesus? Would it promote God’s kingdom here on the earth?
God is predisposed to those who will use His favour to bring glory to His name and to promote His kingdom, than those who will lavish it on themselves. Isaiah 66:2 says, “…But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.” (Isaiah 66:2 NKJV). God looks at the heart, but man looks at the physical features.
God, they say, has no favourites. Those who satisfy him enjoy his favour. To activate the favour of God we have to walk with God intimately – like Enoch. Be God’s “friend” – like Abraham. Strive for obedience – even in difficult circumstances – like Joseph. Be obedient and dutiful like Noah. Be meek and humble – like Moses. Desire to do God’s will at all cost – like David. Be daring and sacrificial like Esther. Seek God’s wisdom above anything else – like Solomon. Be generous in your worship offering to God like Solomon. Honour God above everything else like Daniel. Be consistent in your calling and duty like Zechariah (Luke 1:5-24).
Thus, we activate the favour of God through intimacy with him, obedience, a life of humility, prayer, and sacrifice, generosity towards God, honouring God, a consistent walk with God, and by our walk of faith. Contact:pastoracukachi@ gmail.com
