Continuing our series on ‘Favor,’ today we focus on an often-overlooked aspect of God’s favor: divine protection. While we often think of God’s favor only manifesting through opportunities for promotion or advancement, it is also a powerful shield that protects us from harm. Scripture affirms this truth, saying “For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield” (Psalm 5:12). This means that God’s favor not only positions us for success, but also protects us from dangers, even those we may not see. And as we walk in humility, submitting to His Word and casting all our cares upon Him, we experience more of His favor and protection (1 Peter 5:5-7).
We see a powerful illustration of how God’s favor works to protect and promote in the story of Noah. Genesis 6:8 tells us that “Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord,” and this favor shielded him and his family from the forty-day flood that wiped out everything on the face of the earth. As the floodwaters rose and destruction overtook the land, the very waters that brought devastation to others lifted the ark high above the earth, sparing Noah and his household (Genesis 7:17). This is what God’s favor does – it elevates and shields us, even in the midst of chaos and uncertain circumstances. The same pressures that overwhelm others and lead to despair can create opportunities for us to demonstrate the wisdom and excellence of the Spirit, positioning us for promotion. The simple truth is, God’s favor changes rules and policies to our advantage! Scripture affirms this, saying “When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up” (Job 22:29). Just as Noah and his family were protected through their obedience and humility, we who are in Christ are saved from eternal destruction. By accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, we have stepped into divine favor and the ultimate protection – our salvation.
We see another example of favor as divine protection in the story of baby Moses in Exodus 2. When all newborn Hebrew males were condemned to death at Pharaoh’s decree (Exodus 1:15-17), Moses was saved. After hiding him for three months, Moses’ mother could no longer keep him hidden. To save him, she placed him in a basket and set him afloat on the river (Exodus 2:1-3), which led to an extraordinary demonstration of God’s favor and protection over him. When Pharaoh’s daughter found the basket, she was moved with compassion toward Moses and took him in as her own son, despite knowing he was a Hebrew child (vs.5-6). Not only was Moses spared, but he was also returned to his mother to be nursed and cared for – and she was even paid for it (vs.7-10)! This is divine favor at work, transforming a seemingly impossible situation into one of hope and provision. There may be times when we feel hidden or insignificant, but just like Moses, who could only be hidden for a season, there will come a time when we can no longer be hidden. God’s favor ensures that, like Moses, we will be visible, and His divine protection will shield us as we walk into our destiny. Though Pharaoh’s daughter had no reason to spare Moses, much less raise him as royalty in the palace, God’s favor made Moses compellingly attractive, even to those who should have been his enemies. In the same way, we will experience favor that compels even unbelievers to show kindness to us, going against their own rules for our benefit, as God works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). Therefore, let us continue to rest in His promises, knowing that His favor not only opens doors, but also shields us from harm. Like Noah and Moses, we can rest assured that His favor will lift us above every challenge, guard us against danger, and set us apart for His divine purpose.
Prayer
Father, we thank You for Your favor, which guards and protects us. We choose to rest in the assurance that Your favor surrounds us like a shield, lifting us above every challenge, and setting us on the path to fulfill our purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
