“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me… to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19 NIV
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me… to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God Isa 61:1-2 NIV
Faith for favor – We are on the eve of a presidential election in a very divisive time in US history. In some ways the path of the nation is being set for better or for worse. It’s also true that the candidates at every level are often more alike than different, and that national issues will not disappear overnight. There really is a spirit of fear at many levels that erodes our confidence and faith.
Our best hope, nationally and individually, is God’s favor. He has the power to make insurmountable problems look like a mountain being cast into the sea with a word. Nations, like individual people and companies, have a Kingdom purpose. If we can touch that sense of “doing what the Father is doing” our confidence goes way up. The Lord is inviting us as Kingly believers to prophetically proclaim God’s favor over our lives and our nation(s). It also feels like circumstances (particularly the national economy and personal finances) prevent us from feeling “favored” by God.
Before we can effectively pronounce “favor” on others, we have to have it ourselves. Do I really have God’s favor? The next level is knowing at a heart level why God would favor me. Our hearts all need that answer and it has to be more than just a verse. So let’s just ask those questions:
1. Do I have God’s favor? How do I know I’m favored? Like Mary, the Lord is with me. There is evidence. What’s the evidence?
The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:28 NIV
a. I can hear His voice, feel His presence. (admittedly, I have to try – always have).
b. Others “resonate” with what I’m hearing and doing – there are confirmations.
c. There has been fruit in the past. God has always blessed, provided and multiplied.
d. There is fruit now – spiritually, relationally, financially.
e. Although I’ve experienced setbacks, God has given me a sense of his justice that he will restore what the enemy has stolen… “the day of vengeance of our God.”
2. Why does God favor me?
a. I’ve been faithful in little. Done everything I could with the opportunities I do have. Mt 25:23.
b. I sense His pleasure in me as a son; can hear Him say, “Well done.” I feel “highly esteemed.”
As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Dan 9:23 NIV
c. I can see the Kingdom and have chosen to put it first. It’s a privilege, exciting, adventurous (Mt 6:33).
d. I have a sense of my own metron / role in the kingdom. I’ve taken steps to define it and develop it (see coaching tools).
e. Jesus chose me – there is a Kingdom purpose in my life. He wants to give me my part of the Kingdom (Eph 1:11).
3. How do I proclaim God’s favor to others?
a. I’m comfortable being myself. My present circumstance is fine. I’m on a path to something blessed in the Kingdom. Great things have happened in the past; the future will be even better.
b. I can help others to be themselves and find their path; Kingdom purpose.
c. I’m an example of favor… in sickness and in health, in plenty or in lack. I keep resurrecting, finding God’s answers and promotion.
d. Favor is for right now… today, this year.
As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Cor 6:1-2 NIV
Homework – Here’s my suggestion: Take those same three questions, write out your own personal answers and make your own personalized list of responses. Give your heart the reasons why, and allow the Lord to help you through the process. He will speak to you if you take the time to listen.
The people around you, the nation we live in, and the Kingdom God is building all need you to be the leader God created; to experience the fullness of His favor. It’s his delight to give us the Kingdom. Your part is important to the rest of us.
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32-33 NIV
