“The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority.”
Genesis 39:2-4 NKJV
“But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favorin the sight of the keeper of the prison. The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.”
Genesis 39:21, 23 NKJV
Favor. Friendly regard shown toward another, especially by a superior. Gracious kindness. (Merriam Webster). Derived from the Latin word favere – to show kindness to – and from the French word fovere – to cherish.
Favor. Gosh it’s a beautiful word and an incredible experience.
But here’s the thing about true favor – true favor cannot be “earned” – it’s a gift that comes from G-d alone. Sure, people may show us favor, but, according to what I read about Joseph, the favor shown to him by both Potiphar and the Prison Guard was because G-d was with Jospeh, showed him mercy and kindness, and made everything he did prosper.
Several years ago I experienced unmerited favor at work when I was given a promotion that on paper I did not deserve. Sure – I did a “good job” and was diligent – but I believe I was shown favor (and promoted) because G-d was merciful and kind to me. He alone made me successful.
G-d’s favor is with us because HE is GOOD. He is merciful, gracious, and kind – and He loves us!!! I’m encouraged by Joseph today because Joseph experienced G-d’s favor in a difficult season. Sold as a slave and taken far from his home, Joseph, the most beloved son of his father, was then made a slave of Potiphar – and through it all, G-d was with him and gave him favor. Then, as if things couldn’t get any worse, Joseph found himself in a dark prison wrongly accused – and, he experiences even more favor.
In the absolute darkest most hopeless environment, G-d’s favor rested on Joseph. Likewise, in my darkest most hopeless moments, His favor rests on me.
When my heart is weary and my thoughts wander – and I’m tempted to lose hope – may I be ever mindful of the favor that rests upon me, His beloved, cherished daughter.
Father – You know the deep anxiety and fear in my heart today – the temptation I feel right now to fall into despair. I cry out to You for mercy. You see me now. You know what I need and what’s before me. Thank You that though man’s favor may pass away and fade, Your favor is for a lifetime. When others forsake me and forget me, You are near and will be with me no matter where I go and no matter what happens. You are good. You can be trusted. Your leadership in my life is perfect. Help me to rest in that today. Amen.