Embracing God's Favor for Our Divine Assignments

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Favor Is Undeserved Grace

God’s favor is not earned by our works, but is a gift of grace that covers and qualifies us for His purposes. Even when we feel unworthy or ill-equipped, God’s grace is the foundation of our salvation and our calling. Like Joseph, who had no special pedigree or qualifications, we are chosen and sustained by God’s unmerited favor. This favor is present even in our lowest moments, setting us up for future assignments and victories. When we look back over our lives, we can see that it was only by God’s grace that we have overcome obstacles and are where we are today. [41:31]

Ephesians 2:8-10 (KJV)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel unqualified or unworthy, and how can you trust God’s grace to cover and use you in those very places today?

Day 2: God’s Favor Remains in the Midst of Opposition

God’s favor on your life may not always be celebrated by others; sometimes, it brings misunderstanding, jealousy, or even opposition from those closest to you. Joseph was hated by his own brothers because of the favor God placed on him, and sometimes those who should support you are the very ones who try to tear you down. Yet, God’s favor is not dependent on human approval. Even in the midst of friction, family conflict, or being overlooked, God’s hand remains on you, and He can still bless and elevate you in spite of others’ opinions. [47:35]

Genesis 39:20-23 (KJV)
And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.

Reflection: Who in your life has misunderstood or opposed you because of God’s blessings, and how can you respond with grace and perseverance, trusting God’s favor to sustain you?

Day 3: God’s Favor Is Uncommon and Makes the Impossible Possible

God’s favor is not only undeserved and sometimes unsupported—it is also uncommon. He specializes in doing the extraordinary, taking us from the pit to the palace, from overlooked to elevated, and from impossible situations to miraculous outcomes. Joseph’s journey from slavery and prison to becoming second in command in Egypt is a testimony that God’s favor can open doors no one else can open. When you reflect on your own story, you may see moments where God’s hand made a way out of no way, blessing you beyond what you could have imagined. [57:04]

Genesis 39:21 (KJV)
But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

Reflection: Recall a time when God made a way for you that seemed impossible—how can you give Him praise for that uncommon favor today?

Day 4: God’s Favor Is for a Purpose—To Bless Others

God’s favor is never just for our own benefit; it is given so that we might be a blessing to others. Joseph’s favor positioned him to save his family and an entire nation during famine. In the same way, God places favor on your life so you can serve, encourage, and uplift those around you. Your assignment is not about status, but about service—using what God has given you to impact others for His glory. [40:50]

Genesis 50:20 (KJV)
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Reflection: Who is God calling you to bless or serve with the favor and gifts He has given you, and what is one step you can take today to do so?

Day 5: The Ultimate Favor—Salvation Through Jesus Christ

The greatest demonstration of God’s favor is found in Jesus Christ, who died and rose again so that we might be saved by grace. This favor is available to all who believe, regardless of their past or present circumstances. When we accept Christ, we receive not only forgiveness but also a new identity and purpose. God’s favor covers our failures and gives us hope for the future. Today, you are invited to receive and walk in this favor, knowing that it is not about what you have done, but about what Christ has done for you. [02:11:05]

Romans 5:8 (KJV)
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Reflection: Have you fully received the favor of salvation through Jesus, and how can you live today in the confidence and gratitude of being covered by His grace?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a church family to celebrate the annual Deacon and Deaconess Day, giving thanks for the faithful service of these dedicated leaders and reflecting on the abundant favor God has shown each of us. From the opening songs of gratitude and praise, we were reminded of God’s goodness and the many ways He has blessed us—through provision, protection, and the gift of community. We honored those who have gone before us, especially three beloved deaconesses who served with humility and devotion, and we recognized the ongoing work of our deacons and deaconesses, whose ministry of service is rooted in the very heart of the early church.

Our focus today centered on the theme of “Favor for the Assignment,” drawing from the life of Joseph in Genesis 39. Joseph’s journey—from favored son to slave, from prisoner to ruler—demonstrates that God’s favor is not always about comfort or status, but about being equipped for God’s unique purpose in our lives. Favor is not something we earn by merit or works; it is God’s grace poured out on us, often in unexpected and even difficult circumstances. Like Joseph, we may find ourselves in places of hardship or misunderstanding, but God’s favor sustains and positions us for greater assignments that bless not only ourselves but others as well.

We explored three dimensions of favor: undeserved favor, unsupported favor, and uncommon favor. Undeserved favor reminds us that God’s grace is the foundation of our calling—He chooses and equips us, not because of our qualifications, but because of His purpose. Unsupported favor acknowledges that not everyone will celebrate what God is doing in our lives; sometimes, those closest to us may misunderstand or even oppose us, yet God’s favor remains. Uncommon favor is the extraordinary blessing that defies expectations, opening doors and making a way where there seems to be none.

As we honored our leaders and encouraged one another, we were called to remember that every act of service, every trial endured, and every blessing received is a testimony to God’s favor. We are invited to trust Him, to serve faithfully, and to walk in the assurance that His favor is sufficient for every assignment He gives. Let us go forth, grateful for the grace that saves, the favor that sustains, and the calling to serve in His name.

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Key Takeaways

1. God’s Favor Is Rooted in Grace, Not Merit God’s favor is not something we can earn through our own efforts or qualifications. Like Joseph, we may find ourselves in positions for which we feel unprepared or unworthy, but it is God’s grace that covers and equips us for the work He has assigned. Our calling is to remain humble and receptive, recognizing that every good thing is a gift from Him, not a result of our own striving. [101:31]
2. Favor Often Comes with Greater Responsibility and Challenge Receiving God’s favor does not mean a life of ease or exemption from hardship. In fact, favor often brings new assignments, greater responsibilities, and sometimes more difficult challenges. Joseph’s journey shows that favor can lead us through pits and prisons before we see the fulfillment of God’s purpose. We are called to persevere, trusting that God’s favor is preparing us for something greater than we can imagine. [97:36]
3. Not Everyone Will Celebrate the Favor on Your Life Sometimes, the very people we expect to support us may misunderstand, envy, or even oppose the favor God has placed on us. Joseph’s own brothers resented him because of his dreams and the favor he received. Yet, God’s favor is not diminished by the opinions or actions of others. We must learn to stand firm in our calling, seeking God’s approval above all, and refusing to let the negativity of others deter us from our assignment. [107:35]
4. Uncommon Favor Opens Doors Beyond Human Expectation God’s favor is not limited by our circumstances or by what seems possible. Joseph’s rise from the pit to the palace was a result of uncommon favor—blessings that were unexpected, extraordinary, and unmerited. When we trust God and remain faithful, He can do exceedingly and abundantly above all we ask or think, using our lives to bless others and bring glory to His name. [118:17]
5. Favor Is Ultimately About God’s Purpose, Not Our Comfort The favor God gives is always connected to His greater purpose. Joseph’s favor was not just for his own benefit, but so that he could be a blessing to his family and an entire nation. Likewise, the favor in our lives is meant to position us to serve, to uplift others, and to fulfill God’s mission in the world. Our response should be gratitude, faithful service, and a willingness to be used by God wherever He places us. [100:30]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[30:36] - Opening Acknowledgments & Program Overview
[31:41] - Devotion, Mission Statement, and Responsive Reading
[35:40] - Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:8-10
[36:17] - Opening Prayer
[39:33] - Mission Statement & Responsive Reading
[41:34] - Praise and Worship: Every Praise
[46:57] - Intercessory Prayer
[50:42] - Welcome and Occasion: Deacon & Deaconess Ministry
[54:04] - Memorial Tribute to Deaconesses
[56:07] - Offertory and Giving Instructions
[58:31] - Announcements and Ministry Updates
[72:22] - Worship Song: It’s Good to Know Jesus
[91:48] - Introduction of Guest Preacher
[92:34] - Sermon: Favor for the Assignment
[130:37] - Invitation to Discipleship
[136:04] - Closing Presentations and Recognitions
[152:54] - Benediction and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Genesis 39:20-23 (ESV) — > And Joseph's master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were confined, and he was there in prison. But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever was done there, he was the one who did it. The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph's charge, because the Lord was with him. And whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed.

Observation Questions

According to Genesis 39:20-23, what specific ways did God show favor to Joseph while he was in prison?
In the sermon, what were the three types of favor described, and how did each one show up in Joseph’s life? [[01:41:31]]
What responsibilities was Joseph given in prison, and why was he trusted with them?
The sermon mentioned that Joseph’s favor was not always recognized or celebrated by those around him. Who in Joseph’s story struggled with his favor, and how did they respond? [[01:47:35]]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says, “Favor is not something we earn by merit or works; it is God’s grace poured out on us, often in unexpected and even difficult circumstances.” What does this suggest about how we should view our own abilities and qualifications for serving God? [[01:41:31]]
How does Joseph’s experience in prison challenge the idea that God’s favor always leads to comfort or an easy life? [[01:37:36]]
The preacher talked about “unsupported favor”—times when others don’t support or even oppose the favor on your life. Why do you think God allows this, and how should we respond when it happens? [[01:47:35]]
The sermon described “uncommon favor” as God opening doors beyond human expectation. What does Joseph’s story teach us about God’s ability to use difficult situations for a greater purpose? [[01:58:17]]

Application Questions

The sermon said, “God’s favor is not something we can earn through our own efforts or qualifications.” Have you ever felt unqualified for something God called you to do? How did you respond, and what would it look like to trust God’s grace in that area? [[01:41:31]]
Joseph’s favor led him into greater responsibility and even hardship before blessing. Is there a current challenge or responsibility in your life that might actually be part of God’s favor and preparation for something greater? How can you persevere through it? [[01:37:36]]
The preacher mentioned that sometimes those closest to us may not support or understand the favor on our lives. Have you experienced misunderstanding or opposition from others because of your faith or calling? How did you handle it, and what would you do differently now? [[01:47:35]]
Think about a time when God opened a door for you that you didn’t expect or deserve. How did you respond, and how can you be more attentive to recognizing “uncommon favor” in your life? [[01:58:17]]
The sermon emphasized that favor is about God’s purpose, not our comfort. In what ways can you shift your focus from seeking comfort to seeking God’s purpose in your current season? [[01:40:30]]
The church honored deacons and deaconesses for their service, reminding us that every act of service is a testimony to God’s favor. What is one way you can serve others this week, trusting that God’s favor will sustain you in that assignment? [[01:54:04]]
The preacher said, “Don’t throw a pity party if you’re in the pit or prison of your life right now—God has something better for you.” Is there an area where you need to replace discouragement with hope and trust in God’s plan? What step can you take this week to do that? [[01:40:50]]

Sermon Clips

This is the lord's church. This is the Lord's church. Not my church, not your church, but the Lord's church. Purchased by his own precious blood, designed and kept by the lord. For he told his disciples of all this rock. I will build my church. And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [01:14:49]

When I think about the goodness of Jesus and all that he has done for me, my soul cries out, hallelujah. Thank you, Lord, for saving a wretch like me. [01:27:37]

The favor of God can be described as tangible evidence that a person has the approval of the Lord. I have my own personal definition of favor. Favor is when God covers you up, that when folks look at you, they don't see who you really are, but they see what God has done in your life. When we favor somebody, we want to be with them all of the time. And we usually favor people who also favor us. And in the same way, God shows favor to the ones who delight in, who connect with and give honor to him. [01:34:07]

Our assignment in the kingdom of God is based on our own strength and our own merit. But can I suggest that our assignment is not based on who we are or based on what we can do? But watch this. God sustains us and supports us with his favor. As we position ourselves in God, he pours favor in our lives. [01:36:54]

When we think of favoritism, we imagine a place of higher status and less responsibility. But God's favor often comes with added duties and more difficult, difficult challenges. Somebody in here will testify that when God's favor started to rain down on your life, it doesn't mean that now you don't have nothing to do. But it means that God has pre stamped your approval for the stuff that he's called you to do in the kingdom of God. [01:37:36]

Don't throw a pity party. If you in the pit and the prison of your life right now, God has something that's better for you. There are three things I want to point out that there's favor for the assignment. The first thing that I see here is that there is undeserved favor. Undeserved favor. Favor is closely related to grace. In the Bible the definition of grace is undeserved favor. [01:40:50]

Servants of God, sometimes you go through some stuff and then what you go through don't feel like favor. Is there anybody that. Sometimes there's some good days but, but, but, but there's some bad days there. There's. There's some storms in life there. There's some folk that hate on you, there's some folk that don't like what you're doing. And can I tell you, sometimes favor ain't fair. But if you hold on in there, hang on and keep serving the Lord, your favor will be evident in your life. [01:42:47]

God's favor allowed Joseph to overcome every obstacle in his life until God needed him to be in the right place and the right time for his assignment. Are there any servants in the house today that know it was only God's favor that allowed you to overcome? When the devil tried to overthrow your assignment? Somebody here said it was only God's favor that allowed me to overcome. [01:43:40]

What qualified Joseph to work for Potiphar? What qualified Joseph to be a prison administrator? What qualification did Joseph had to lead an entire nation? He didn't have any degrees. He. He didn't have any management experience or a special pedigree. But yet Pharaoh decided and declared that there was no one so discerning and wise as Joseph. There was no one like him. In whom is the spirit of God. [01:44:34]

Everywhere Joseph went, he stood out. He relied on God for the insight to interpret dreams that other wise men were incapable of interpreting. Do I have any servants in the house that will testify that where you are in service for the Lord was not because you deserve to be that, but God has some favor in your life. [01:45:18]

There's some deacons that say if some folk from my past knew that I got this black suit on and this red tie, they would have an issue. There are some deaconess in here that have traded that tight dress for a white uniform. There some in here that were used to singing in the club, but now singing on Sunday morning. There are some in here that will bless you out in the week, but now they're praying at the throne of grace. Is there anybody in here that say I don't deserve to be where I am, but it was only because God has some favor. Favor in my life. [01:45:56]

Everybody won't appreciate or like the favor that God has. Your life. There it is. I had to say it. Joseph was hated by his own brothers. His own brothers hated him more than external people because God had chosen him for an assignment. He had a gift of dreams and yeah, maybe Joseph was wrong for telling his brothers and his parents about his dreams. Maybe he was being a little petty when he said, there gonna come a time when y' all gonna bow down and be subservient to me. Sometimes maybe you ought to keep your dreams to yourself. But due to the acknowledgment of his gift, he was hated on. [01:47:21]

Is there anybody in the house? God has given you some favor in your life. And some folk who you thought would support you are the very ones that are tearing you down. I says, isn't it funny that some folk will hate on you for God covering you with your blessing? You didn't take their blessing, but they're hating on you because God has some personal tailor made blessings for your life. [01:48:55]

When people know that you walk with the Lord and you have a relationship with the Father, they will do what they can to try to pull you away or to damage that favor that God has in your life. And just like Joseph's brothers, their hatred was birthed by any envy and jealousy. Some folk don't like it just because they want to be in the position that you're in. But if they got a problem with the favor in my life, don't take it up with me. Talk to God. [01:53:40]

I realized that there's some folk just won't like you because God is doing a thing in your life. They hated him so much that they could not even speak a kind word to him. Have you ever had somebody that no matter what the conversation is, instead of them speaking kind things into your life, they always want to bring up negative things or point out your weaknesses or your past failures. Is there anybody in here that says it don't matter what I used to be, but where you see me now is because God has some favor in my life? [01:54:38]

Here's where you can shout God has the power to still favor you in the friction. Some of y' all say I'm in some mess right now. God can still favor you. Somebody said I'm in the storms of my life. God can still favor you. Somebody say my family don't support me or understand me. God can still favor you. Is there anybody that'll lose your mind and say God has favored me even in my friction? [01:56:00]

Uncommon favor is a term used to describe a blessing from God that is unexpected, extraordinary, or unmerited. Some of y' all have experienced some uncommon favor in your life. Uncommon favor is the idea that God can give blessings to believers in ways that are unexpected, expected, and even unmerited. Joseph received favor from God which is described as a blessing and success in all that he did. This favor was uncommon because it made what seemed impossible possible. [01:57:16]

Who would have thought that Joseph's favor was uncommon because he went from being in a pit to Potiphar's house. From Potiphar's house to a prison, never to get out again. From the prison to second command in Pharaoh's house. And while in Pharaoh's house, he was able to bless not only his family, but an entire nation. The greatest screenwriter wouldn't have made up a story like this. [01:58:47]

I, like Joseph, can attest thanks to some uncommon favor. Born in Waco, Texas. Favor allowed me to make it through being a young black man, a product of a single parent household. Favor allowed me to earn a paid education in college. Favor allow me to overcome life's obstacles to accept my calling in life to preach his gospel. Favor allowed this broke black man to graduate from seminary with a Master of Divinity degree in theology. Favor allow me to pastor a church in Round Rock, Texas. Favor allow me to matriculate and earn my doctorate of ministry in advanced expository preaching. Favor allow me to have three children and a wife who loves and supports me. Favor allow allows me to do what God has called me to do. Favor allow me to overcome when I didn't know what my tomorrow will bring. Is there anybody that says I thank God for some uncommon favor in my life? [02:01:22]

Is there anybody who like the song said God favored me? I don't know about you. Your favor may be on the way. Your favor may already be there. But I can only speak for myself when I say God has has favored Me and watch this. There's favor for the assignment. He favored me when I first came into this world. He favored me that he knew where I would be right now. He favored me that where I'm going. God, God, we be the result and get all of the credit. [02:03:11]

In the Bible, there are people who found favor with God. Noah found favor with God and was protected and delivered by God. Is there anybody that. No. Abraham found favor favor with God and was called God's friend. Moses was found favor with God and saw God's glory. David found favor with God and was raised up to be a king. Esther found favor with the king, became queen, saved the Jewish his people from destruction, found favor with God. Gideon found favor with God. Samuel found favor with God. Mary found favor with God. And you, and you and you found favor with God. The list goes on and on. Is there anybody you got a personal praise on today because God has favored you. [02:04:06]

Like the song said, folks can lie on you. There's favor. They can conspire against you. There's favor. They can attack your country character and your integrity, but there is favor. Folks can whisper about you, there is favor. But the good news is they did the same to Jesus Christ. They lied on him. They conspired against him. They attacked his character. He died on an old rugged cross. He died for you and for me. They hung him high, stretched him wide. He hung his hair and for me he died. They put nails in his hand, rivets in his feet, a crown of thorn on his head. He died. He died. But they took him down off of that cross and they put him in a bar or two. But early, early, early, early, early early on the third day, Sunday morning, he got up all power in his hand. If you want to know what favor looks like, favor died, got up and is sitting next to the Father. [02:05:31]

Is there anybody that say, lord, I thank you for my favor. I thank you that when I miss something up, you'll cover me. You'll put your grace, your mercy around me. That when folk look at me, they don't see me, but they see you. Is there anybody that said thank you for the favor for your assignment? I come by to tell you keep on trusting God. Keep on trusting in his word. He will, he will, he will, he will, he will, he will. He'll give you favor, won't he do it? Won't he do it? Won't he give you favor for your assignment? Keep trusting, keep believing. Keep holding on to God's unchanging hand. [02:07:15]

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