Some breakthroughs happen through meticulous planning, diligent work, and relentless pursuit. Others—though still supported by effort—are powered by something more—something that accelerates progress, moves hearts, and opens doors you could never force open. That something is favour.
In leadership and business, we often emphasise systems, strategy, and skill—and rightly so. But as I’ve learned in my own journey, there’s another dimension that plays a pivotal role: divine favour. It’s the intangible grace that places you ahead of others, causes the right people to notice you, and moves circumstances in your favour—even when it defies logic or protocol.
Favour doesn’t replace preparation; it partners with it. It’s not a licence to be passive, but it is a powerful force that amplifies the impact of everything you’ve done in faithfulness.
What Is Favour?
Favour is not manipulation or favouritism. It’s not striving to get ahead by cutting corners or seeking recognition. Favour is God’s hand upon your life, placing you where your natural qualifications may not. It’s divine alignment—when things happen faster, smoother, and with greater impact because God is behind the scenes, orchestrating outcomes on your behalf.
We often say, “right place, right time.” Favour ensures you’re both—while also making sure the right people are looking.
It shows up when others are overlooked, and you’re remembered. When others are passed by and you’re selected. When resources arrive just in time. When you walk into rooms you weren’t invited to—yet find that you belong there.
But favour is also tested in obscurity. Before it lifts you, it refines you.
Joseph: A Masterclass in Favour
Few biblical characters illustrate the role of favour better than Joseph.
Joseph’s life was a whirlwind of extremes: from favoured son to pit, from Potiphar’s house to prison, and from prison to palace. Each step, though marked by hardship, carried a divine stamp. The common thread in every season? “But the Lord was with Joseph…”
- In Potiphar’s house, favour made him overseer over all household affairs (Genesis 39:4).
- In prison, favour gave him authority, even as a prisoner (Genesis 39:21–23).
- Before Pharaoh, favour brought him out of obscurity in a single day and positioned him as second in command over Egypt.
Joseph’s journey wasn’t linear, but favour ensured it was progressive. Every setback was a setup. Every betrayal became part of a bigger picture. His preparation—interpreting dreams, managing affairs, developing wisdom—met opportunity when Pharaoh needed answers. And in a moment, years of pain aligned with purpose.
Joseph wasn’t just lucky. He was favoured. And because he had stewarded each season well, he was ready when the spotlight came.
How Favour Works in Real Life
Favour is not confined to the pages of Scripture. It still works today—in boardrooms, interviews, business deals, creative projects, and contracts.
I’ve seen it time and again, but one particular shift in our pharmacy business stands out.
We had spent years refining systems, strengthening the team, and investing in infrastructure. At times, it felt excessive—like we were preparing for an opportunity that hadn’t arrived yet. Then, almost without warning, one did.
A contract was offered to us. Not one we lobbied for. Not one we chased. In fact, we weren’t even aware it was being discussed. But when the need arose, someone mentioned our name.
That’s favour. When people advocate for you in rooms you haven’t entered. When your name comes up in the right conversation. When your preparation meets divine timing.
We were ready—and favour accelerated everything.
It reminded me of Joseph: hidden but not forgotten. When the time was right, favour found him—and favour lifted him.
Positioning Yourself for Favour
You can’t manufacture favour—but you can prepare for it. Here’s how:
1. Stay Faithful in the Hidden Place
Joseph was faithful as a slave and then as a prisoner. David was faithful as a shepherd. Ruth was faithful as a gleaner. Don’t despise the hidden seasons. They are preparation grounds. Excellence in obscurity attracts divine attention.
2. Walk in Integrity
Favour may open doors, but integrity keeps them open. If Joseph had compromised with Potiphar’s wife, he may never have reached the palace. Integrity might cost something in the moment, but it protects long-term influence.
3. Humble Yourself
Favour gravitates toward humility. Pride repels it. When we acknowledge that every opportunity, every connection, and every open door is ultimately God’s doing, we remain grounded—and trusted with more.
4. Speak Favour Over Your Life
Your words matter. Scripture says, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Declare favour daily. Expect divine appointments. Align your expectations with God’s promises.
5. Obey Promptings
Sometimes, favour shows up through divine nudges: a new idea, a conversation, a step of faith. Many people miss favour because they dismiss the prompt that carried it.
Favour vs. Favouritism
Let’s be clear: divine favour is not about favouritism or unfair advantage. It’s not about elevating one person at the expense of others. Favour always serves a higher purpose.
Joseph was favoured—not for his own ego—but for the survival of Egypt, the preservation of Israel, and the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan.
When you walk in favour, your breakthrough is not just about you—it’s about those who will be blessed through you. Favour flows to you, but it must also flow through you.
What to Do While You Wait
Favour doesn’t always feel like acceleration. Sometimes it feels like delay, rejection, or stagnation. But God is always working behind the scenes.
Joseph had dreams at 17 but didn’t reach the palace until he was 30. In between, he experienced betrayal, false accusations, and years of waiting.
So what do you do in the meantime?
- Keep showing up
- Keep doing excellent work
- Keep growing
- Keep praying
- Keep trusting
Because when favour shows up, it will find you ready—not rusty.
Final Thoughts: Favour Is a Game-Changer
You don’t have to be the loudest voice, the most connected person, or even the most talented in the room. Favour levels the playing field—and then tilts it in your direction.
It doesn’t mean you won’t work hard. But it does mean not every outcome will be equal to your effort.
And that’s good news.
Because in a world obsessed with hustle, favour reminds us that grace still works. That God still lifts. That you don’t have to kick down every door—some doors open simply because His hand is on your life.
So prepare. Serve well. Stay humble. And expect favour.
Your breakthrough may not come from where you expect it—but it’s coming.
