Prospering in Difficult Times. By Pastor Emmanuel S. Olowokere.
By now it takes no rocket scientist to tell we are in difficult times. We have all been witnesses to soaring foreclosure rates, job losses, and the tricky financial market. In spite of all these difficulties, how assuring it is to know that God’s desire is for us to prosper.
How do I know? 3 John 2 says, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” Job 22:29 seconds, “When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.” That is, while others may be experiencing difficulty your testimony would be one of increase, progress and prosperity.
If for any reason you think these are no more than feel-good references, Isaac’s case in Gen 26: 1-12 should sell you. Isaac had decided to relocate to greener pastures in Egypt when famine ravaged Gerar. A no-brainer for any rational being, right? Hold your breath! Instead, God shows up and instructs Isaac not only to sit tight in Gerar but to plant in the place of famine! Now don’t tell me you didn’t think this is counter intuitive. Just wait until you get the full gist. And in the time it would take you to say Isaac-the-son-of- Abraham, Isaac planted and boom, he reaps a hundred fold in a supposedly famished land!
Two takeaways from the Isaac case which you should also note as secrets to prosperity in difficult times.
Divine Direction
It’s only God’s direction that always guarantees success. The Warren Buffet story is instructive here. For so long, he’s been known as the Oracle of Omaha not the least because he always seemed to hit it right with investments-and give him credit for it, he’s done a fabulous job for a mortal man-but along came this recession and alas the Oracle was also vulnerable! This reminds me of Peter in Luke 5:1-7. A professional fisherman who’d toiled all night and came up empty. Launching into the same deep at Jesus’ instruction, a net-braking catch ensued. This tells me that our savvy or know-how counts for little, only divine direction guarantees success always.
Obedience
Of what use would divine direction have been to Isaac and Peter if they’d ignored God’s instructions? The celebrants of the marriage in Cana of Galilee understood this well (John 2: 1-10). They followed Jesus’ instruction to the letter and their celebration ended a success. Is 1:19-20 drives the point home beautifully, “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.”
Want to prosper in difficult times? Seek divine direction; and once instructed do your all to obey. Obedience, 1 Sam 15:22b exhorts is sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.”
