God’s favor and grace are upon His faithful followers. Do you believe this? Our new identity in Christ lifts us into a new life and relationship with God. It is His gift—His grace. Moreover, He promises to bless those who walk with Him with even more grace and favor.

Prov. 12:2 says, “A good man obtains favor (or grace) from the Lord …” (NKJV). Obtain also means to “draw out”.

We could say then that “A good man draws out grace from the Lord …” We draw out His grace when our ways please Him.

God looked for a virgin and found Mary. He bestowed favor and grace upon her. God grants favor and grace to those whom He can entrust with His purposes!

Your assignment has a purpose; God’s blessings and anointing are for a purpose—that others would be blessed. The Lord says, “Draw near to Me, and I’ll draw near to you.”

Year of the Lord’s Favor … 2026, expect God’s favor and grace!

Isaiah prophesied about Jesus 700 years before He came to earth:

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn… Isaiah 61:1-2 NIV

The phrase “The year of the Lord’s favor” comes from this passage in Isaiah and Luke 4:19 and signifies a time of God’s grace, freedom from sin, comfort for those who are suffering, renewal, and spiritual liberation.

Jesus declared this prophecy fulfilled in Himself, marking the start of God’s saving work. It signifies spiritual freedom from sin, darkness, and oppression, bringing healing to the brokenhearted and liberty to captives.

We are living in the present reality of His grace and favor toward all of humanity! How much more to His faithful followers? Believe that this day, this year, is the year of the Lord’s favor!

Psalm 84 is important this year!

Notice in this Psalm the desperation of the writer for God’s presence?

2 My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God… 11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory [bestow favor and honor (NIV)]; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:2,11 NKJV

To those who cry out for God’s presence and make it their aim to dwell there, God will give grace or favor, and honor! To those who desire Him above everything else! It’s the year of the Lord’s favor! 

Favor comes to those who understand God’s purpose.

It’s important to remember that God grants favor with a purpose—to help fulfill His plans for the Kingdom here on earth. That said, His grace is available to everyone!

Peter declared in Acts 10:34-35 that “… God shows no partiality …” or He is no respecter of persons. God’s love and grace are available to all! He loves each of us equally, but He gives greater grace to those who understand His purposes here on earth.

Have you ever wondered why it sometimes feels like some people’s prayers are answered more often than others? What is it about this that makes a difference for those individuals? They have “drawn out” God’s favor and grace as they walk faithfully with Him.

Noah (Gen. 6:5-9)

In verse 8, we read that, “Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of the Lord.” (NKJV)

Amid a wicked generation, Noah walked faithfully with God; he was a just and sincere man. Verse 9 says he was “perfect in his generations.” Which could be translated “blameless” or “having integrity.”

Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3)

Abraham found grace and favor with God, such that God says, “I will bless those who bless you, and curse him who curses you … all families blessed.” (NKJV)

God blessed Abraham in many ways, including material possessions. In Gal. 3:13-14, Paul writes that God promises to give all believers the blessings of Abraham, telling us that Jesus became a curse for us so that we might receive the “blessings of Abraham.”

Once again, through Christ, we are freed from the curse of the law and have entered the year of the Lord’s grace and favor! Why?
To use His grace and favor in our lives to help reach all the families on earth. We are blessed to be a blessing!

Nehemiah (Neh. 1:3-11)

Nehemiah learns about his people’s suffering in Jerusalem and that the wall has been destroyed. He responds with prayer, confession, and a request for God’s intervention.

Nehemiah humbly prays and seeks God’s favor for a purpose: to help the people in Jerusalem and rebuild the wall around the city. He is burdened for the people!

Have you ever felt a heavy burden for the people in your city or region?

I felt this very deeply 25 years ago when we moved to Tucson from the East Coast. During a prayer meeting with others, I felt a special calling from God for this city.

That burden and vision motivated my wife and me to leave stable, well-paying jobs and careers so we could plant our church here in Tucson and keep praying for the city. We continue to stand with faith, trusting that God will bring about a powerful, transformational revival here.

Back to Nehemiah. Four months after he heard the news of Jerusalem’s distress and started praying, he had a moment with the King (Neh. 2:1-8). He stays cautious because cupbearers were expected to conceal their emotions in front of kings. Breaking this rule could be punishable by death.

But God works on the heart of this pagan king, and the king grants Nehemiah favor, allowing him to return and providing financial support!

Prov. 16:7 states that, “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (NKJV) Please means to be favorable or have grace!

Ever since we said “yes” to God about the city of Tucson, we’ve been so grateful for His abundant favor. Whether it’s purchasing church property, building new structures, hosting large conferences, or other endeavors, God’s grace and favor have truly been with us every step of the way.

Indeed, God grants favor to those who carry His heart and purpose for their generation!

Final Thoughts

Maybe you’re worried about your loved ones and family. Perhaps issues have “gripped you” like Nehemiah. It’s time to pray and cry out to God!

Perhaps you’re worried about Tucson, your city, or the nation. It’s time to pray and call out to God!

Nehemiah, upon returning to Jerusalem, cast a vision to the leaders and the people there, saying,

“You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste (desolate), and its gates are burned with fire. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem that we may no longer be a reproach.” Neh. 2:17 NKJV

Nehemiah takes ownership of the situation, including himself in the we “that we are in.”

Take ownership in the Spirit over our city and nation, over your life, your family, and your situation. Seek the face and presence of God, and cry out to Him! Carry His heart and purpose, and believe for greater grace and favor to be granted!

I’ll continue this series, ‘Favor for a Purpose,’ next week, focusing on Esther.