Part IV of the teaching – Prospering in Difficult Times. See Part I, Part II & Part III.
How to Prosper in Difficult Times by Pastor Emmanuel S. Olowokere. Dec. 13, 2009.
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Sermon synopsis
Some pointers give you away as to your readiness or willingness to prosper in difficult times. Resolve is one.
The prodigal son, as Luke 15:11-32 accounts, made up his mind to return to his father after squandering his inheritance though he was unsure how that might play out. The 18th and 19th verses are instructive:
“I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.”
Dilly-dallying was an option since he was unsure how his father might react. But he made up his mind to return home anyway. He was fed up with living from hands to mouth!
Pastor Olowokere, Dec. 13. 2009. Strong Tower Parish, Minneapolis, Minnesota. USA.
What idea have you been sleeping on just because you’re unsure of its success?
Wake up from your slumber. It’s time you made up your mind on turning it into reality. No seed multiplies in the farmer’s hands, it has to be planted! John 12:24 discloses:
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.”
You also need to know that God rewards spirituality by prospering us and keeping us in health. 3 John 2 reveals: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” A man whose soul is prospering should experience prosperity in health. It therefore becomes your responsibility to deepen your spiritual life by making a choice to love and serve God.
Another secret to prospering in difficult times is Investment or Sowing. Gen 26:12-14, it reads:
Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him. And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.
The passage shows how Isaac prospered in a difficult time or a recession, if you will.
By investment I don’t necessarily intend the stock market sense of the word. Here are few examples:
You could invest your time or effort for instance. It’s no excuse for anyone who’s lost their job to resort to staying idle or perpetual kick-back mode. How about seeing this as an opportunity to volunteer and make an impact on others? I’m yet to meet anyone who has become prosperous loafing. Get yourself engaged positively.
You could also invest your talent, dreams and resources. Putting into use what you have heard in the past – your experience and/or knowledge- and surrendering what you have for a greater good are two other manifestations of investment. Abraham surrendered Isaac and got back “Abraham’s blessings” that you and I are beneficiaries of today. Hannah put down or invested Samuel and got back 5 other children.
Investment or sowing is important and necessary if you are to prosper in difficult times. Yield yourself to it!
May this be your week of Unlimited Open Doors and a test-driving of your Year 2010. God bless you richly.
