Sermon: Finding Favor In Tough Times

FINDING FAVOR IN TOUGH TIMES
(Esther 5:1-8)
A Message by Rev Dr Vincent Leoh on 7 February 2010

“FAVOR is the special affection of God toward you that releases an influence on you, so that others are inclined to like you, or to cooperate with you.” – Lance Wallnau
FAVOR is different from Grace, although it comes from the same root word. Grace is undeserved—The Bible is full of instruction about how we can obtain FAVOR.
FAVOR is like being dipped in honey so that the blessings of God stick to us.

TOUGH TIMES
The Hamans of this world and all the conflict they stir up can give us a hard time. …. How do you live, much less find favor in such a tough hostile environment?

ESTHER FOUND FAVOR
Esther found FAVOR (2:17) —so much so that the King made her Queen
Esther found FAVOR (5:8) —so much so that the King offered her up to half his kingdom.
Esther found FAVOR (7:3)- so much so that her life and the lives of the Jews were spared
Esther found FAVOR (8:5)—so much so that the King wrote a new law on behalf of the Jews.

How did Esther find favor?

I. FAVOR COMES TO THOSE WHO SEE LIFE FROM GOD’S PERSPECTIVE

Esther 4:14 – Mordecai is putting Esther’s life in perspective for her. He pointed out to her that there was a purpose in appointment and her problem!
People who live with God’s perspective believe in the providence of God. They believe that God is up to something big in their life.
The better you know God’s word, the more you’ll begin to see life from God’s viewpoint. (Prov. 3:1-4)

II. FAVOR COMES TO THOSE WHO PRAY AND PREPARE THEMSELVES

King Saul: “… and I have not sought the Lord’s favor…” ( 1 Sam. 13:12)
David: “I entreated Your favor with my whole heart …” (Ps 119:58)

Esther’s Preparation: 3 days of extraordinary Fasting & Prayer.
Esther was in a difficult place, which many would have deemed impossible, but that is when God works best.
Pray Specifically: All you need is favor from the right person (not everybody). Pray specifically … give me favor in the sight of the king / my employer ….
Prayer and fasting helps us understand God’s plan.
The book of Esther is one of the most remarkable books in the entire Bible, because even though it never once mentions the name of God, His presence is always felt behind the scenes. So Pray! And Fast!

III. POWER ACTION ATTRACTS FAVOR

1. FAVOR FOLLOWS THOSE WHO ACT IN FAITH / FAITH IN ACTION.
Esther risks it all, her very life, and acts on what she knows. God moves for us, when we move for Him. James 1:22. Take ACTION on your problem.
Most people think that having “faith” means that we just stand idly by, while God solves all our problems. It’s easier to wait on a miracle than it is to do the difficult thing God wants us to do. If you’re not happy with the way your life is, or your education, or your marriage…or any other big problem you face… God’s given you the power to change it. Be responsible for what you can do.
God wants us to have an “ACTIVE FAITH”. A faith that stretches us out of our comfort zones. In other words, we do everything we possibly can in faith, and then leave what we CAN’T do to God!

2. FAVOR FOLLOWS THOSE WHO ACT FAVORABLY

Appropriate Place. Esther 5:1 Esther positioned herself directly in his line of sight!

Appropriate Dress. Esther put on her royal apparel. Respectful. Dress how you want to be recognized.

Appropriate Words. Esther 5:4-5. Esther chose her time and her words very carefully. Look for God’s divine appointments. The bible says that’s “there’s a time for everything under the sun”

* John Maxwell, in “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” writes “The wrong action at the wrong time leads to disaster. The right action at the wrong time leads to resistance. The wrong action at the right time leads to a mistake. But the right action at the right time leads to success.”

- – And then she came out with the hard truth …..Esther said, “The adversary and enemy is this vile Haman” (Esther 7:6a – cf vv3-7)

Esther 9:22. “turn” – overthrow; overturn; transform (Gen 50:20)