Favor. It’s a word we don’t really use a lot in today’s society. But it’s something I’ve been praying for lately. The favor of God that is. I’m finishing up a book by Mark Batterson entitled “Circle Maker.” In it the author refers to the favor of God as “God doing something for you that you cannot do for yourself.” I want that. I want God working on my behalf to grant me favor in my family, in my marriage and in my community. I want his favor to rest on Cornerstone Church that we may continue to touch our town for God’s glory. I want Him to do something that I cannot do for myself. I want his favor.

I’ve been circling promises regarding God’s favor recently. I’ve been praying them over myself and my family and my church family. But, as I was searching scripture, I found an incredible promise.

Proverbs 18:22 says this, “Find a good spouse, you find a good life-and even more: the favor of God.”

What an incredible verse. I really wasn’t expecting to stumble upon that one. In fact, I had to re-read it to make sure it said what I thought it did. And as I was praying through that verse I felt God whisper to me. Here I was praying for the favor of God because I believe it’s such an incredible and powerful gift BUT…and this is where God just kinda tucked this truth into my heart- I can actually “be” that favor for my husband by being a great spouse. That’s a little mind blowing to me.

Another definition for favor is having an advantage; a benefit. I want to be that for my husband. I want him to regard me as a benefit and an advantage to him and to his calling as a pastor. I don’t want to be a whiner, a complainer or a wife that’s hard to live with. Although, admittedly there are times when I resemble this far more than the “favor” I am asking to be.

Proverbs 21:9 says this, “It’s better to live alone in a tumbledown shack than share a mansion with a nagging spouse.”

Those are tough words. I don’t want to be a nag, I want to be a support. Another definition of favor is this: to make easier or more possible; to facilitate. That’s what I want, what I desire. I want to make things easier for my husband, to link arms with him and work alongside him to help make his God given dreams come true; to be a facilitator.

Here’s a few of my favorite verses regarding God’s favor.

“You have granted me life and FAVOR and Your care has preserved my spirit.” Job 10:12

“For you, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with FAVOR You will surround him as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12

“For His anger is but for a moment, His FAVOR is for life.” Psalm 30:5

“Generous to a fault you lavish your FAVOR on all creatures.” Psalm 145:16

There are so many amazing promises in the Bible about His favor! As you go through your day today know this: God desires to cover your life with His favor. All we have to do is ask Him for it. And if you’re married then you have an amazing opportunity today- You can be the favor of God for your spouse! By being a good spouse we can be the benefit, the advantage and ultimately the blessing that we are called to be. May the “favor of him who dwelt in the burning bush” (Deuteronomy 33:16) be upon you today.