Have you ever wondered why some biblical characters seem to walk in extraordinary favor while others struggle? I used to think it was random—that God just picked favorites. Then I started studying the lives of those who experienced undeniable divine favor, and I discovered something that changed my entire perspective on how God operates.

But this revelation didn’t come overnight. It came from wrestling with a fundamental question: What made Bible Characters who were favoured so different?

After much introspection and Bible study, I’ve discovered that favor isn’t arbitrary—it follows patterns. These biblical giants weren’t just lucky; they embodied specific heart postures and character traits that positioned them for divine intervention. Today, I want to share what I’ve learned about the favor mindset versus the striving mindset, and how you can cultivate the same heart conditions that attracted Heaven’s attention.

The Common Thread Among the Highly Favored

Before we dive into individual stories, let’s establish this truth: you might already be highly favored and not even know it. Mary was “troubled” at the angel’s greeting because the favor felt undue to her. Most people who walk in genuine favor don’t feel entitled to it—they feel amazed by it.

“And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.”
— Luke 1:28-29 (KJV)

Why Mary was alarmed at the way the angel saluted her—because it felt undue. Yet God had been watching her heart, her character, her positioning long before that moment. The same could be true for you right now.

Lets take a closer look at the favor Mary enjoyed as well as other popular characters in the Bible.

Bible Characters Who Were Highly Favoured By God.

Mary: The Heart of Surrender and Purity.

Mary’s favor wasn’t because she was perfect—it was because of her heart posture. She was positioned in purity—a virgin with a sincere heart toward God. But more importantly, look at her response when faced with the impossible:

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”
— Luke 1:38 (KJV)

Mary’s favor flowed from complete surrender to God’s will, even when it didn’t make sense. She didn’t negotiate with God, demand explanations, or require guarantees. She simply said, “Let it be according to your word.”

This wasn’t blind faith—it was informed trust. Mary knew God’s character well enough to surrender to His plan even when she couldn’t see the full picture. Her identity was rooted in being God’s servant, not in her own desires or reputation.

Favor Principle from Mary: Surrender to God’s will creates space for His supernatural intervention in your life.

Solomon: Wisdom-Seeking Heart Over Self-Seeking Desires

When God appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask for anything,” most people would have requested wealth, long life, or victory over enemies. Solomon’s response revealed the condition of his heart:

“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?”
— 1 Kings 3:9 (KJV)

God was so impressed by Solomon’s heart alignment that He gave him what he asked for AND what he didn’t ask for. Solomon understood that his role was to serve God’s people, not to use his position for personal gain.

“And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart… And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour.”
— 1 Kings 3:11-13 (KJV)

Solomon’s favor came from seeking God’s kingdom purposes before his own comfort. He could have asked for anything, but he asked for what would make him a better steward of God’s assignment.

Favor Principle from Solomon: When you prioritize God’s purposes over your personal desires, He adds blessings you never even thought to ask for.

Jeremiah: Pre-Ordained Purpose and Faithful Response

Jeremiah’s favor story begins before his birth, showing us that God’s plans for favor often precede our awareness of them:

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”
— Jeremiah 1:5 (KJV)

This shows favor as a direct result of God’s sovereign choice and pre-ordained purpose. But notice Jeremiah’s initial response—he felt inadequate and tried to disqualify himself:

“Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.”
— Jeremiah 1:6 (KJV)

Despite his initial hesitation, Jeremiah ultimately embraced his calling and remained faithful through incredibly difficult circumstances. His favor wasn’t based on his confidence or competence, but on his willingness to say yes to God’s assignment for his life.

Jeremiah faced persecution, rejection, and isolation, yet he continued delivering God’s messages. His favor wasn’t measured by ease or popularity—it was measured by divine backing and eternal impact.

Favor Principle from Jeremiah: God’s favor often comes through divine assignment that requires faithfulness in difficult seasons.

Esther: Positioning, Preparation, and Courage for Crisis.

Esther’s story reveals how favor positions you for moments of divine purpose that extend far beyond your personal benefit. She was strategically positioned as queen “for such a time as this,” but her favor was activated through courageous action.

“And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
— Esther 4:14 (KJV)

Esther understood that her favorable position came with Kingdom responsibility. When faced with the choice between personal safety and protecting God’s people, she chose sacrifice over self-preservation:

“And so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”
— Esther 4:16 (KJV)

Notice the progression: Esther was favored with beauty and positioned as queen, but her ultimate favor came through risking everything for others. Her personal blessing became a channel for corporate deliverance.

Favor Principle from Esther: True favor positions you to be a blessing to others, often requiring personal risk for corporate benefit.

Daniel: Unwavering Integrity and Spiritual Discipline.

Daniel’s favor is particularly instructional because it sustained him through multiple administrations and cultural changes. His secret was maintaining spiritual integrity regardless of external pressures.

“Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.”
— Daniel 6:3 (KJV)

Daniel’s favor wasn’t just spiritual—it was practical and professional. His excellence in character made him indispensable to ungodly rulers. But notice what sustained his favor: unwavering devotional practices even when they threatened his life.

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”
— Daniel 6:10 (KJV)

Daniel’s favor flowed from consistent spiritual discipline and refusing to compromise his integrity for political convenience. He chose faithfulness to God over favor with men, and God gave him both.

Favor Principle from Daniel: Consistent spiritual disciplines and unwavering integrity create sustainable favor that transcends changing circumstances.

Story lesson: The Holy Spirit on your inside can announce you and cause you to excel in your honest endeavors.

The Favor Mindset vs. The Striving Mindset

Here’s what I’ve learned from studying these biblical giants: the favor mindset is fundamentally different from the striving mindset.

The Striving Mindset:

• Tries to earn God’s blessing through performance
• Focuses on personal advancement and comfort
• Seeks favor for self-serving purposes
• Becomes bitter when others are blessed
• Compromises integrity for temporary advantage

The Favor Mindset:

• Receives God’s blessing as unmerited grace
• Focuses on faithful stewardship of divine assignment
• Uses personal blessing to serve God’s purposes
• Celebrates others’ favor and breakthrough
• Maintains integrity regardless of personal cost

Remember: favor is about the end being good. Even when circumstances look challenging, God’s favor is working behind the scenes to orchestrate outcomes that serve His purposes and your ultimate good.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love him, who are the called according to his purpose.”
— Romans 8:28 (KJV)

Your Unique Calling and Favor Potential

Here’s the beautiful truth: God’s largeness of heart and willingness to bring many into this dispensation means the same favor available to these biblical heroes is available to you. The question isn’t whether God wants to bless you (He does), but whether you’re cultivating the heart conditions that position you for divine favor.

Sometimes, you can sense how fortunate you are based on your current situation. Other times, God’s favor looks like supernatural intervention, but often it looks like sustained grace through difficulty, wisdom in decision-making, and doors opening at just the right time.

Maybe you’re in your “preparation season” like Joseph in prison, learning skills you’ll need for future assignments. Perhaps you’re in your “positioning season” like Esther being prepared for queenship. Or you might be in your “testing season” like Daniel, maintaining integrity under pressure.

Each season is designed to develop the character that can steward greater favor.