Unmerited Favor

Samuel had a powerful spiritual legacy. His very life was the result of the prayers of his mother, Hannah, who cried to God that she might conceive a son. In her prayers she vowed that, if God answered her prayer, she would give that son to serve Him “all the days of his life” (1 Samuel 1:11). When God answered her prayers, Hannah kept her promise.

Even as a child, it was clear that Samuel had a special calling. Yet, before He really knew the Lord or had received the “word of the Lord,” the Bible tells us that he grew in stature and favor “both with the LORD and with men.”

Here we see a powerful demonstration of the Biblical concept of favor. As Samuel discovered, he received favor even as a boy. Why? Because this was God’s plan. It was His doing.

No matter how hard we work or what we do, we cannot earn favor. This is entirely an act of God.

Remember that you can never be “good enough” to please God, or “earn” salvation. You are saved by His grace. By the unmerited favor that He shows you. It is His gift, something that is not of yourself (Ephesians 2:8). And He has called you not according to what you have done “but according to His own purpose and grace” (2 Timothy 1:9). You simply need to accept that grace, to believe Him for favor.

His favor can open doors that seem shut. His favor can cause blessings in your finances and relationships, and give you supernatural understanding. His favor can change your life in ways that you could not imagine.

This favor is totally unmerited. He gives it because He loves you.

Commit your needs to Him. Rest in His love. Revel in His peace. Trust Him for His favor in your life.