IT IS WRITTEN: How can we attain prosperity?

Prosperity! I googled it and found that there are at least 40 verses in the Bible about God wanting us to prosper! Having had a health scare last year from which I was miraculously healed, this verse is particularly meaningful to me.

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

3 John 2 (NKJV)

PROSPERITY GOSPEL AND GOSPEL OF PROSPERITY

There is much controversy around the concept of a prosperity gospel, but this is THE Gospel! The Good News, where God paid the highest price of all, so that we might prosper. The Good News, which is that Jesus died so that we might appropriate all the blessings that are ours  in Christ, as we become co-heirs with Him. 

Prospering is far greater than just financial and health. It is physical, mental, emotional, and relational health too. It is the true, deep SHALOM of a loving Heavenly Father, bestowed upon His dearly  beloved children.

God’s desire is that we would love and serve others, with the fullness of Christ within. We need to  become “whole and complete lacking nothing” (James 1:4) if we want to have something to offer  the world around us.

ALSO READ: It Is Written: Mature and Lacking NOTHING

Yes, there are times in our lives where we go through extreme trials and deep suffering. There is no simple explanation for this. However, it is in those times that His body (the church) is meant to step  in as the hands and feet of Jesus, offering help and comfort. We need to be a prospering people if we want to help those who are in need.

We have been given EVERYTHING we need for life and godliness! (2 Peter 1:3) He has promised this to us through the working of His divine power, but we need to act on it! Moses had to step into the Red Sea before it parted! Peter had to step out of the boat if he wanted to walk on water! 

LEARNING TO TAKE UP AUTHORITY HE HAS GIVEN US

“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

Luke 10:19 (NKJV)

It is time for the Body of Christ to arise, put on the armor of God and take up the position of authority that is ours in and through Christ, as we stand against the devil and his wiles. His word promises “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). 

As we spend time daily in His word, with prayer and worship and even fasting, He strengthens us within and teaches us how to pray fervent, effective prayers

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may  be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

James 5:16 (NKJV)

This GOOD NEWS is quite simple really

Like that childhood song that goes:

“Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey”.

We tend to make it complicated, because it is easier to focus on the difficulties than to pay the price of deep, heart changing obedience.

God longs to prosper us in every way. Will we trust and obey?

PRAYER

Father, help us in our desire to trust and obey.  

Strengthen our resolve we pray! Draw us into communion with you, so that we grow in the authority you have already given us. We long to prosper as you have intended, and to help others prosper  too. 

In and through Christ we pray.

Amen

ALSO READ: Daily devotion: Here’s your Bible verse and prayer