May Week 3: Walking in Favor

This week’s reflection came a little later than usual because I had to carve out time to prepare and travel for our daughter’s graduation.

As I sat reflecting on her journey, one thing continued to stand out to me:

The favor of God takes many forms. Sometimes we think of favor only as open doors, promotions, or visible success. But as I looked back over both our journeys—the ups and downs, the successes, the disappointments, the sacrifices, and the moments that required perseverance, I could only see the faithfulness of God.

By God’s grace, I completed my PhD before the age of 40. Now, watching our daughter achieve this remarkable milestone and other credentials under the age of 30 is something I could never have fully imagined years ago.

Of course, many factors contributed to the journey: hard work, discipline, opportunities, community, family support systems, mentors, and sacrifice.

But beyond all of that, I recognize the hand of God.

Because favor is not always loud or dramatic.

Sometimes favor looks like:

• strength to continue

• opportunities that align at the right time

• people God places along the journey

• grace through difficult seasons

• seeing prayers unfold across generations

Scripture reminds us in Psalm 5:12

 “Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”

Favor is not just about achievement. It is also about God’s covering, guidance, and faithfulness throughout the process.

And often, we only fully recognize favor when we pause and reflect on how far God has brought us.

In this graduation season, this reflection reminded me that favor does not eliminate challenges and hard work. Every journey comes with uncertainty, setbacks, waiting seasons, and moments of stretching.

But through it all, God remains faithful.

Pause and Reflect

1. How has God’s favor shown up in my journey?

2. What blessings have I overlooked because they unfolded gradually?

3. Where can I recognize God’s faithfulness over time?

Purposeful living means learning to recognize favor not only in major moments, but also in the quiet faithfulness of God throughout the journey.

Because favor is not just found in where you arrive, it is also found in the grace that carried you there.

To Go Deeper

To go deeper in this journey, I invite you to explore:

Your Life After Salvation: Foundations for Faith, Growth, and the Christian Walk