My questions are, (1) can I receive favour from GOD, (2) can I receive wisdom and (3) can I receive anointing from God?
This question is threefold and relates to receiving certain things from the Lord. These specifically are favour, wisdom, and anointing. So, how are we to receive these from God? To understand further, we must start by looking at the root intention of why we need these, and secondly, look at what scripture says about how to receive them.
Firstly, why is it that we need these graces from God? You need to begin at the correct starting point. Are you in need of these for personal gain or the glory of God? Suppose you examine yourself deeply; is the favour, wisdom and anointing a way to further yourself in whatever situation it may be? OR regardless of your situation, do you long for these so that you may glorify God, build your relationship with Him, and love Him more? The ultimate intention for these graces must always be for the glory of God and to grow in a deeper love relationship with Christ. Doing so will produce the fruits in your life, resulting from God’s favour, wisdom, and anointing.
Now, let us look at these from the standpoint of the word of God.
To obtain God’s favour is by, first and foremost, having faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, if you are a believer in Christ, you already have received this favour from God. Favour and grace are closely tied together in scripture. So, if you received salvation, it is only by grace through faith; all these are a gift of God and not your works (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are also to continue seeking God’s favour, and we see many examples in the Bible. Psalm 119:58 says, “I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.”
Notice this favour sought must not be just for the blessings we can receive from God; instead, it must be for “seeking Him and for Him”. We need to come before Him with a humble heart, loving Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Luke 10:27). When we do so and seek His Kingdom, then all these things will follow. Matthew 6:33-34 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” So, you can find favor with God, when you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, Seeking to glorify Him in all you do. Psalm 5:12 says, “For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.”
When receiving favour from God, it does not mean that all things will be easy and you will not face any hardships in life. Instead, it means that through all that life will throw at you, God’s favour will keep you and uphold you. You do not need to be anxious about these. Psalm 37:23-24 says, “The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.”
Now, as we look at “wisdom”, you must realise one of the ways to gain favour from God is to seek wisdom. Proverbs 8:35 says, “For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD,” Again, to obtain wisdom, one starts by looking at God. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Come in reverence before God, obeying Him, submitting to His will and discipline, worshipping Him, and understanding that He knows what is best for you. To do so, you must study His word. Search scriptures for all things of God, and God will give you wisdom. Psalm 119:98-100 says, “Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts.”
To gain this wisdom, seek God, and ask Him by faith. James 1:5 teaches us that if we lack wisdom, we can ask God, and He is generous in giving to all those without reproach. Ensure that when you seek God’s wisdom, you are careful to submit to it and do not weigh it against your understanding, picking and choosing what suits you based on your preference. Trust God, who knows all things, willingly submitting to all His precepts; this is the beginning of wisdom. Amen!
Finally, how can you receive the anointing of God? Again, if you are a born-again believer in Christ, it means you already have the anointing of God. 1 John 2:20 says, “But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.“ At the time of your salvation, it was through the work of the Holy Spirit, coming to indwell you and joining you to Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 says, “And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” This anointing of the Holy Spirit is a work of God. It is not something we can do, but God’s act of anointing us. It is for the purpose of salvation, teaching, leading, guiding, and imparting spiritual truths to understand better who He is and what He requires of us. Every believer receives this anointing; praise God! Once you receive this anointing, no one can take it away. You are secure in Christ. (1 John 2:27).
Some teachings in Pentecostal or Charismatic circles speak of a special anointing on a person for a specific purpose, or signs and wonders, etc., which provide them with a higher level of spirituality. We need to be careful not to seek more outward signs and wonders rather than the inward work of the Holy Spirit. The New Testament points to one anointing of the Holy Spirit. So if you are in Christ, you have been anointed by the Holy One. You do not need to chase after any new anointings because you have received the fullness of the gift and person of the Holy Spirit. You may seek particular gifts of the Holy Spirit in your life since the scriptures teach us to seek the higher gifts to help in the church’s work and witness the world (1 Corinthians 12:31).
