Nehemiah 5:15
“But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.”
I’ve heard F.O.G. used as an acronym for “favor of God”, and thank God for that! But I propose that where there’s no fear, there’s no favor. The favor of God is a byproduct of the fear of God. The idea, and one I believe in, is that the FOG encompasses the life of the believer, and sets him or her up for divine favor in life. It’s a wonderful concept, and when you walk in the FOG (fear of God) you’ll walk in the FOG (favor of God).
A person who fears God will do, or not do, certain things and our decisions will be based on a holy reverence for our God and King. Our answers to the opportunities and challenges of life will be rooted in “…because of the fear of God.” It’s this attitude that enables God to orchestrate divine favor in our lives.
The fear of God keeps Him at the heart and center of everything we say and do, and that invites His divine favor. When you fear Him – the right kind okay, not a cowering fear but a holy awe and reverence – His favor will be yours. I think it’s a major mistake to expect God’s favor but not live in holy fear. It’s like the guy that wants to borrow your coat but not be seen next to you. He wants your stuff but not you. He wants what you have to offer, but doesn’t want to give anything in return.
Really, fearing God is favoring Him, and again, that’s what sets you up to experience His divine favor in your life. Fear Him, be favored by Him, the end.