|
An increasing number of Christians are understanding the biblical teachings about prosperity and many are seeing their lives change through a breakthrough in their thinking.
However, the majority of Christians look upon ‘prosperity teaching’ through sceptical spectacles! With most things in life, you can always find extremes, and in the area of prosperity teaching it is no different. There are fanatics about, or simply misguided people, who can repel us from the true biblical message of prosperity. At the other end of the spectrum many are sucked into the unscriptural traditional teachings of ‘godly poverty’. These two main factors result in a huge number of God’s children being drawn away from the truth of God’s Word.
In this article we are going to focus on prosperity from a financial viewpoint. Whatever your personal stance on how much money Christians should have, how much we should give away, how much we should invest etc., you simply can’t get away from the fact that God wants to prosper his children – spiritually, physically AND financially!
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers.
3 John 1:2 (AMP)
Let the Lord be magnified, who takes pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.
Psalm 35:27 (AMP)
We are going to take a quick tour of the Israelites' journey from the Land of Lack to the Place of Plenty. And we’ll see how it corresponds to your circumstances right now.
EGYPT - THE LAND OF ‘NOT ENOUGH’
Our key word here is ‘poverty’. Israel was poor. They were slaves for a start, so weren’t in a position to trade. They were under control of the Egyptians and were the labour force of the nation. However, God had a plan of deliverance for his people which was spearheaded through Moses. Whenever we are stuck in a place of defeat, desperation or debt, God always has a way of escape. Are you feeling trapped in your work? Are you living in lack? Are you wanting to be delivered from your maxed-out credit cards into a new dimension of financial freedom? Through trust, hope and obedience Israel was to see the miracles of God in their escape – you can too. Where the underlying currents of debt and lack restrict you from getting free, your heavenly Father can open up these waters so you can pass through unharmed, free and rejoicing in the goodness of your God.
THE WILDERNESS – THE LAND OF ‘JUST ENOUGH’
The supernatural acts of God continued in the desert. Here our key word is ‘provision’. God provided for his children, just like any decent human father would want to provide for his children. Food came down from the heavens on a daily basis and water was provided in this dry place – they were nourished physically. A pillar of smoke went before them in the day and a pillar of fire by night – they were given constant guidance. A whole set of commandments were given them so that they would live godly lives and not come to harm – they were counselled. They built the Tabernacle and carried it around with them – the presence of God went with them wherever they travelled. God was truly with his people.
But the wilderness was only meant to be a ‘passing through’ where God would meet with his people. There was something far greater ahead. Are you living in a place of financial security and satisfaction? Do you want to break free from Christian complacency? Are you content with the Promiser without experiencing His Promise? Israel was disobedient and lacked faith. As a result they were sentenced to wander around the desert for 40 years until a whole generation of ‘doubters’ had passed away. It was only then, under the new leadership of Joshua, that Israel started to taste the promise.
CANAAN (THE PROMISED LAND) – THE LAND OF ‘MORE THAN ENOUGH’
The Promised Land was a land ‘flowing’ with ‘milk and honey’ (notice, no bread or quail rations here). Our keyword at this destination is ‘prosperity’. Was this paradise? Certainly not, that is heaven. Even in the blessings of God there are hardship, challenges and a continual need to serve, trust and obey. As soon as Israel entered this prosperous land, they had to battle with those who already occupied the land. In the Promised Land that is waiting for you, there will be great challenges ahead, including financial ones. But as with the Israelites, the God of Heaven and Earth is with you.
The amazing opportunities of being channels of God’s blessing to others are found in this wonderful land. Financial blessings hunt you down. Pay rises, investment opportunities and fantastic business deals are aplenty. Are you there yet? Have you crossed over into a different dimension of God’s blessing in your life? Are you tasting of the good of the land? If not, then continue to seek God for his direction, acknowledging him in all your ways. If you are walking in the promises of God, keep on your guard and know that God is still in the business of making you more like Jesus. But be reminded that there are great triumphs awaiting and blessing beyond measure!
- In relation to the journey of the Israelites, where are you at the moment in your financial journey?
- What is it going to take to get you to the next level?
- What is the Holy Spirit saying to you right now? Write it down, pray about it – and DO IT!
|
The Articles 
