Favor Fridays with Tony: The Favor of Belief – When Someone Believes in You

Welcome to another installment of Favor Fridays with Tony. As we celebrate the 25th day of International Black Women’s History Month, today we pause to recognize one of the most life-changing forms of divine favor: the favor of belief—what happens when someone chooses to see the best in you, believe in your potential, and stand beside you while you become who God created you to be.

Belief is more than encouragement. It’s a form of favor that breathes life into dormant dreams, ignites courage, and validates worth. And when someone—be it a teacher, a friend, a sister, a mother, or a mentor—believes in you, they are reflecting the very nature of God.

Because God believed in us first.

When someone truly believes in you, they are standing with you in the unseen, trusting that what God planted inside you will bloom. Their faith becomes a bridge over your fears, a reminder that you were created on purpose and for a purpose.

Biblical Examples of the Favor of Belief

1. Elizabeth Believing in Mary (Luke 1:39–45)

When Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, carrying the miraculous news of her divine pregnancy, Elizabeth didn’t question her—she believed her. Her response wasn’t suspicion but celebration. She affirmed Mary, saying, "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Belief unlocks confidence. Elizabeth’s belief gave Mary courage to carry greatness. In moments when doubt could have drowned Mary, Elizabeth's voice of belief was a lifeline.

2. Naomi Believing in Ruth (Ruth 3)

Even in the midst of grief, Naomi saw something in Ruth. She gave her strategy, wisdom, and encouragement. Naomi’s belief in Ruth’s loyalty and character helped position her for favor and legacy. Naomi believed Ruth could rebuild what loss had torn down.

3. Jesus Believing in Peter (Matthew 16:18)

Peter was flawed, impulsive, and afraid. But Jesus called him “the rock.” He believed in who Peter would become—not just who he was in the moment. Jesus' belief propelled Peter from fearful denial to bold leadership after the resurrection.

4. Paul Believing in Timothy (1 Timothy 4:12)

Paul constantly poured into young Timothy, encouraging him to preach, lead, and stand boldly in faith—even when others questioned his youth. Paul’s belief built a leader. Without Paul's belief, the church may have missed one of its greatest young pastors.

The Power of Belief in Black Women’s Lives

Throughout history, the favor of belief has uplifted generations of Black women who dared to dream against the odds.

1. Dr. Maya Angelou – Believed in the Power of Story

Though she stopped speaking for years as a child, someone believed in her voice. That belief blossomed into poetry, prose, and purpose. The caged bird eventually sang—and the world listened.

2. Marian Wright Edelman – Believed in the Potential of Children

As the founder of the Children's Defense Fund, she believed every child deserved a voice and a future. That belief became legislation, advocacy, and opportunity. Her belief turned into institutional change.

3. Serena and Venus Williams – Believed In by Their Father

Before the world saw them as champions, their father saw it. He believed in their greatness before trophies proved it. That belief shaped their legacy—and changed the face of sports forever.

4. Michelle Obama – Believes in Empowering Girls

From the South Side of Chicago to the global stage, her message is consistent: “I believe in you.” Her work with Let Girls Learn and mentorship initiatives reminds us that belief builds nations, not just individuals.

Modern Examples of the Favor of Belief

A teacher who tells a child, “You are brilliant.”
A friend who says, “Start the business—I’ve got your back.”
A spouse who whispers, “You can do this,” when fear creeps in.
A mentor who opens doors because they see what’s inside you.
A spiritual mother who says, “God put greatness in you, now walk in it.”

Belief is a mirror. Favor lets you see yourself the way God and those who love you already do.

Every time someone speaks belief over you, it is a divine echo of God's original voice saying,

"You are fearfully and wonderfully made."

What Belief Does in the Life of the Believer

1. Belief Restores Identity

When someone believes in you, they help you see yourself beyond your flaws. Like Jesus did with Peter, belief pulls your future into your present. It whispers, "You are not your mistakes; you are your Maker's masterpiece."

2. Belief Builds Boldness

Like Elizabeth did with Mary, belief removes shame and fills you with strength. You begin to walk differently when someone believes in your purpose. Boldness grows where belief is planted.

3. Belief Becomes Legacy

Like Naomi did for Ruth, belief echoes for generations. When someone pours belief into you, you become a generational blessing. The courage you gain today becomes the foundation your descendants stand on tomorrow.

4. Belief Birthed by God Becomes Unstoppable

When belief comes from faith, it aligns with heaven’s assignment. God doesn’t just love us—He believes in us. He calls things that are not as though they were, and He places people in our lives to remind us until we believe it ourselves.

Scripture of the Day: Romans 4:20-21 (MSG)

"He didn’t tiptoe around God’s promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said."

Reflection Questions

Who believed in you when you didn’t believe in yourself?
Whose belief helped you step into your calling?
Who needs to hear your belief in them today?
Are you speaking life into someone’s vision?
How can you become the voice of belief that someone else needs to hear?

Final Word

When someone believes in you, it’s not flattery—it’s favor.

And when you believe in someone else, you become the vessel that God uses to awaken greatness. Your words carry power. Your belief becomes foundation. Your faith becomes fuel.

Today, let’s honor the women who believed in us, and let’s be the voice of belief for someone else.

Because belief isn’t just confidence—it’s a divine assignment.

Say it loud. Believe it big. Favor someone with your faith.

Speak life. Build dreams. Birth destinies.

Closing Word

In S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™, belief is what carries characters into their purpose. When others speak life, their destiny becomes undeniable. Get your signed copy at www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop and pass the gift of belief on.

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