God has been showing me scriptures over the last several weeks that don't sound like a lot of the "affirmations" I often hear spoken by my Christians friends and associates. The "Big" name evangelists and preachers on various media outlets often (some always) speak of prosperity and riches as synonymous with money and possessions. And while I believe in the depths of my soul God wants me to prosper and be in good health (3 John 1:2), I am becoming more convinced as the Spirit works within me that there is a much greater meaning to these type verses than earthly possessions.
Before I get to a place where I am trying to convince myself money is of no value and should be shunned as though it where the root of all evil, I must acknowledge money and possessions for what they are and their importance as such. They are a required "tool" to be valued, used, and controlled using good stewardship. An inanimate object possesses no power that I don't ascribe to it.
Philippians 1:29 Paul tells his Phillipian brothers that they have been "granted on behalf of Christ......to suffer for His sake. WOW! I need to understand this whole concept a little clearer. James says I should "count it all joy" when hardship comes because it creates in me a desirable effect. The results I'm left with, James says is "perfect and complete, lacking nothing." Sounds prosperous to me.
We have all heard the example of the caterpillar that transforms into a butterfly. After spinning a cocoon the caterpillar spends weeks wrapped inside as the larvae goes through metamorphosis. When it's time for the butterfly to emerge, it must struggle and fight its way out of the cocoon. I think if I were around at the time the caterpillar was making his escape, I would probably be tempted to "help" open the cocoon and release the butterfly. But that would be the worst thing we could do. It's the struggle to escape the cocoon that gives the butterfly the strength to fly when released. Butterflies need adversity to become what God intended them to be.
We are like these beautiful creatures. Through adversity we gain wisdom, courage, faith that we need in order to "fly". I must get past the immature notion that God is only interested in making me healthy, wealthy, and happy. The bible doesn't support that notion and neither should I. God wants me to become like Christ, and that path leads through the wilderness of adversity.
Lord, I thank you for your love, mercy, and kindness. I know you love me and are working to make me more like Your Son. Strengthen me and give me clear vision to see the things you desire, and direct my path today.
Your servant, Rick
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