But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself. Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials. ( Daniel 1:8-9)
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to the realization that I’m a pretty boring guy. No, really, it’s true. My wife has all the personality and the good looks. She tells me I’m not much fun, and she’s right.
Yet, here’s the thing: she married me. And on top of that, I enjoy much goodwill from others disproportionate to the level of my social and conversational skills. I attribute my good fortune to the Lord, and more specifically to His favor.
In the scripture above, God gave Daniel favor in the sight of one of the king’s commanders. As a result, Daniel was not required to choose between violating God’s law or likely being put to death. The commander had no reason to grant Daniel’s request, except that God gave Daniel favor in his eyes.
Favor is unmerited goodwill. We can’t earn it, and we can’t command it. But the Lord in His goodness can cause His face to shine upon us and cause others to do the same. Favor is a powerful thing.
Noah found favor with God, and God saved him from the flood (Genesis 6:8); Joseph found favor with Potiphar, and Potiphar placed Joseph in charge of all he owned (Genesis 39:4); Joseph found favor with Pharaoh, and was put in charge of all of Egypt (Genesis 41:38-41; Acts 7:9-10); and Ruth found favor with Boaz and was allowed to glean his field (Ruth 2:8-16).
So, how does one receive this most precious of God’s gifts? It is by our faithfulness.
This does not mean favor is obtained transactionally. God is not a vending machine. But faithfulness positions us to receive God’s favor.
No one is guaranteed a good lie in golf, and you can’t command a good lie. But you are more likely to get a good lie in the fairway than in the rough. Likewise, when we walk in obedience to the Lord, we are stepping into the fairway of God’s purposes. It is there that His favor in our lives advances His plans for the earth. Faithfulness makes room for His favor.
Noah was a righteous man and walked with God. Daniel was faithful in obeying God’s dietary laws. Joseph was faithful in working diligently in Potiphar’s house and in jail. Ruth was faithful in serving Naomi and following her to a foreign land. And in each case, God’s favor followed.
So, stay in the fairway where you can find His favor.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your unearned favor, and help me to walk faithfully before you so I am in position to receive what only you can graciously give.