And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me. (Nehemiah 2:8, ESV)
Every so often, I will have someone tell me: “Good luck.”
My reply: “I don’t need luck.”
I am not saying that in a prideful way. There is a reason I don’t need luck. I have something better than luck. I have the good hand of the Lord upon me. I believe that when we live faithful, God will prosper our way.
This can be scary for some Christians. We fear this thing called the “prosperity gospel.” But I have to ask the question – is there is another gospel? The gospel is good news. It is all about the greatest prosperity – eternal life!
Where the idea of a “prosperity gospel” goes wrong is when we have a different definition of prosperity than God does. We tend to think about prosperity in terms of wealth, power, and influence. But these things have ruined more than a few people. They might have prospered materially, but they were relationally, spiritually, and emotionally bankrupt. Sometimes the things we want the most are the things we need the least.
I believe God empowers me to be successful. I believe that God empowers me to live in abundance. I believe that God empowers me to build his kingdom. I believe the Lord will go before me to open up doors and opportunities that I could have never opened for myself. But in all of this, I believe that my prosperity will always be according to his will and for his purpose.
The shift is when we understand that prosperity is for a purpose. God moves his hand for the purpose of his kingdom. When we are aligned with his kingdom purposes, the abundance will flow. Notice that Nehemiah points out that the hand of the Lord was with him in relation to the mission he had been entrusted. God prospers Nehemiah for God’s purpose!
The greatest abundance and prosperity is more of God. Greater prosperity is a greater measure of the Holy Spirit. It is a greater measure of grace and forgiveness. It is a greater measure of kingdom-mindedness.
Reflection
- Do you agree that God prospers us for a purpose? Why or why not?
- Where do you need the good hand of God in your life?
Prayer
Lord, you reign over all. Thank you for the promise of your good hand at work in my life. Thank you for prospering me for a purpose. I rely upon and trust in you for all things. Open doors of opportunity for me to build your kingdom here. Amen!
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