How can we seek God's favor in our own leadership roles today? Ezra’s snapshot of favor “and who has shown me favor before the king, his counselors, and all his mighty officials. Because the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, I took courage and gathered the leaders of Israel to return with me.” (Ezra 7:28) Observations worth noting • God’s favor came first, human favor followed. • The favor was public—displayed “before the king, his counselors, and all his mighty officials.” • The awareness of God’s hand produced boldness: “I took courage.” • Courage enabled action: Ezra “gathered the leaders.” • Leadership under favor results in mobilizing others for God’s purposes. Key principles for seeking God’s favor today • Dependence on God’s hand – “The LORD’s hand was upon me” (Ezra 7:28). – Paralleled in Nehemiah 2:8: “because the gracious hand of my God was upon me.” – Recognition of God as the ultimate source cultivates humility (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). • Alignment with God’s Word – Ezra “had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach” (Ezra 7:10). – Favor rests on those who delight in and obey Scripture (Psalm 1:1-3; Joshua 1:8). • Integrity before people – Ezra’s life convinced pagan officials to trust him. – “A good name is more desirable than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1). – “Let love and faithfulness never leave you… Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3:3-4). • Courageous obedience – Favor emboldened Ezra to act. – God’s favor empowers leadership, not passivity (Acts 4:29-31). Practical ways to cultivate favor in leadership roles 1. Daily surrender leadership decisions to God’s authority. 2. Immerse in Scripture, letting God’s priorities shape goals and methods. 3. Guard personal and public integrity—consistency earns credibility. 4. Seek excellence, recognizing that skill accompanied by God’s presence brings distinction (Daniel 6:3). 5. Treat subordinates and peers with grace; God opposes pride but “gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). 6. Pray for God’s visible hand on meetings, strategies, and relationships, then step forward confidently. 7. Surround yourself with godly counselors as Ezra had priests and leaders, avoiding isolation (Proverbs 15:22). Encouragement for ongoing leadership God’s favor is not a one-time event; it is an ongoing posture of reliance on His hand. Just as Ezra moved from favor to courage to action, leaders today can expect tangible guidance and strength as they remain yielded, faithful, and bold. The same God whose hand rested on Ezra delights to steady every leader who walks in humility, obedience, and trust. |
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