Health, Wealth & Prosperity
The blessings of God are real. The Bible is full of stories that tell of God’s presence and blessing upon his faithful servants. We see it throughout the Old Testament, in the lives of the Patriarchs, Joseph, King David, Job and many others. If we read nothing beyond their years of blessing it’s easy to see why many might believe righteous living is always rewarded with perpetual good health, wealth and prosperity, but is this what the Bible really teaches? Sure David became king and Joseph ruled over Egypt, but there was great hardship in their long journey to prosperity. David spent years on the run, eluding the envious wrath of Saul and Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers and later jailed in an Egyptian prison for a despicable crime he didn’t commit. God blessed their efforts in their season of trials, but he did not change their circumstances before the time was ripe.
The Old Testament also tells of the prophets: Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah and others who faithfully lived with the uncomfortable calling of speaking God’s truth or standing in obedience, even when it wasn’t pleasant. Some may have lived reasonably comfortable lives, though most were not very popular with the royals and some of the most notable prophets of God were actually killed by their own people (Luke 11:47); not really the experience of charmed living one might expect.
As we continue into the New Testament, the incredible blessing of rearing the promised Messiah came to Joseph, a righteous man, according to Matthew 1:19 ASV and Mary, who was favored by God, according to Luke 1:28, yet they were poor and unable to afford the proper sacrifice for their first born son (Luke 2:24). So if the couple was so righteous and favored by God, why were they not more fiscally blessed? God could have easily allowed the gifts of the wisemen to change their station in life, but we never hear of such a thing, and instead later see Jesus traveling the Middle Eastern region on foot, with no servants, few belongings and at one point affirming to a young teacher that he was indeed homeless (Matthew 8:20).
The lack of prosperity and persec be ution of Jesus’ followers is recorded throughout the New Testament and into our lives present day. Therefore, those who promote the idea that following Jesus brings abundant blessings and protection in this life, fail to acknowledge that often the blessings of God are intangible, a basic provision easily overlooked or rewards to come in the next life. Sadly this misunderstanding can have a devastating impact on the development of a follower’s faith and may have many discouraged believers questioning God’s existence all together, especially when it involves our health or the well-being of those closest to us. No one can really respond to why someone we love has to die or why others suffer with chronic disease, but we can trust God sees and understands the much bigger picture, and wants very much for us to bring our questions and confusion directly to him.
As Christians, we may discover that a life lived responsibly and with integrity, as God encourages throughout the Bible, does often merit benefits, such as a more stable home life and better health, yet there are still no guarantees that our righteous living will reward us with everything whispered in prayer. God is not a Super Santa checking his daily list to fulfill our every want. He allows trials and frustrations in this life to mature our faith and draw us closer to him. The purpose of his divine provision is to enable us to fulfill the task he has called us to. Providing a lifetime exempt from heartbreak and suffering is a concept contrary to his ultimate plan for creating in us a heart of humility and gratitude, to demonstrate his grace and goodness to the world, something that would not happen if we got everything we wanted, even if our requests are justified and noble.
