by Darla Noble
By glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
Do you have trouble believing that all it takes to be prosperous is to believe in the LORD? If so, it is probably because you don’t fully understand what it means to believe in the LORD or what the true definition of prosperity is. Don’t worry. That’s about to change.
To believe in the LORD is about more than just believing God and Jesus exist. If you believe in the LORD, you will obey Him in all things and follow Him faithfully. Why? Because you know hope for eternity in heaven is found only in Him.
The definition of prosperity is this: to flourish…to be successful. Most would associate these things with their financial state, but it’s about a lot more than money. If you are happy and content, you are flourishing. You are successful. If you find fulfillment and satisfaction in what you do, you are flourishing and successful.
I know this to be true because there were times when we had less than ten dollars in our bank account a week before my husband’s next payday came around. In spite of our lack of finances we were flourishing as a family who loved the LORD. I also felt completely fulfilled as a stay at home mom. Today my children are grown, happily married, and doing a great job parenting their own children. Looking at them is proof that believing in the LORD (and teaching others to do so) is true prosperity.
Pray: LORD, keep my eyes, heart, and mind focused on You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.