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My husband Brad and I were the poster kids for financial stewardship. Larry Burkett junkies and cash-budget-nerds from the day we exchanged our vows. Thirteen years into marriage, we got a bit unsatisfied with our bank numbers and borrowed to invest in several lots of land.
The plan? Flip them for a quick and hefty profit. Change the bank numbers. Secure our financial future.
Our intentions were sincere. Brad wanted to be able to retire from corporate by the age of 50 so he could join me in full time ministry. Surely God would bless and prosper such a noble mission, right?
Yes. He did. By allowing us to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars and endure excruciating years of class action lawsuits, private shame, and debt.
We lost a lot – and it hurt bad – but we gained prosperity in wisdom and character as the Lord refined our hearts. The lessons we learned in the darkness of our financial struggles are now priceless treasures.
God taught us to pay our debts, to do right things even when it hurts, and to trust Him in the fire of hardship.
There are some in Western Christian culture that promise unicorns and rainbows to those who follow Christ… implying that the “good” God intends for your life is void of conflict, loss, sickness, and financial hardship. You’ve heard them… “If you don’t receive that job or the healing you’re praying for, then you simply don’t have enough faith.” “Visualize it and it will come to pass.” “God wants you to be happy, healthy and wealthy!”
Bunk.
The psalmist wrote in Psalm 128:1-2, “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor. Blessings and prosperity will be yours” (Psalm 128:1-2, NIV). In the ESV translation, that final line reads, “It shall be well with you.”
Wise king Solomon wrote, “He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor” (Proverbs 21:21).
Prosperity is found when we walk in God’s ways and revere Him.
When we immerse ourselves in the righteousness and love of God.
When we rest in His sovereignty and align our behaviors to Biblical principles.
Spoiler alert: unicorns don’t exist and there’s not a pot of gold at the end of each faith rainbow. The secret to a prosperous life isn’t found in comfort, perfect health, and luxury. The secret to a prosperous life is found in loving and fearing the Lord, obeying, and walking in the ways of His Word, and yielding continually to His Spirit within you.
Dear Lord, You are good and generous. Help me to honor You and walk in Your ways today, tomorrow and every day. Give me a passion for righteousness and empower me to love You and others well. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
FOR YOUR REFLECTION and RESPONSE
What would it look like for you to be prosperous today? What are some ways you can tangibly pursue righteousness and love?
Read Psalm 128, then spend some time in responsive prayer.
Let’s pray together today. Meet me in the comments section to share your heart and pray for one another.
Comments 4
I too thank you are right on track. Well I would love to be blessed financially so that I could bless others, I know I can’t help everyone that is poor and in need of something, I barely make my bills, but I would love to be able to help people in so many ways, I try to help people understand that we need to all get back to honoring gods holy sabbath, but they don’t seem to want to open up to that at all, and some even get angry with me, but I truly believe that the dishonor of his commandments is why the world has fell into this downward spiral, I have been told for years that we could pick our own sabbath. But that is not true..
And I think if all people would come together and begin worshiping our Lord on his holy sabbath and stop the devision and except his true word we would all do better until he returns to take us home. Although I may not know you personally, I still love you and I love everyone every where and don’t want anyone to loose their soul, but have everlasting life. Thank you.
Amen. Thank you father God for this encouraging word, please help me to continue trusting and believing in you for future that is filled with goodness and kindness for me and my l9ved ones. In Jesús Name Amen
Amen, thank you so much for this word!
Great Read. Really will HELP ME. THANKS SO MUCH.