Favor

It was a dark time in world history—a time when “wickedness…was great on the earth.” So pervasive was this evil that “every intent” of the thoughts of all men and women were “only evil continually” (v. 5).

There were few redeeming qualities. Businesses were characterized by corruption. Immorality was commonplace. There was an absence of positive role models. There was so much evil that God became “sorry that He had made man,” and even decided to “blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land” (vs. 6-7).

But one man was different! In this horrible environment, Noah found “favor” in God’s sight—He looked favorably upon Noah. In a time of evil, when God was ready to judge the rest of mankind, He spoke to Noah and accepted him, showing him favor. How? By singling out Noah for specific blessing, by providing direction for his life, and by giving him a plan to receive protection—both for himself and his family.

While the Biblical definition confirms that favor cannot be earned, we see here how our lives can prepare us to receive God’s blessings and favor. He observes the lives of individuals—how we live, the choices we make, the words we speak, what we do with the resources we’ve been given, to what degree we seek to obey Him, please Him, and serve Him.

Today, God continues to look for men and women to whom He can show His favor—faithful servants who trust in Him and continually seek to shine their Light, even during dark times.

Remember that God is watching you! No matter what is happening around you or how other people may live, He is watching over you to reward you, to bless and protect you and grant you His favor.