.Part VII of the teaching – Prospering in Difficult Times. Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V & Part VI.
How to Prosper in Difficult Times by Pastor Emmanuel S. Olowokere. Jan 17, 2010. Watch photo album of the service
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Sermon synopsis
It beats me how some respond to challenges or overwhelming situations. They, I want to think, unwittingly kick at solutions and give room to their challenges to mushroom.
A good example of this in our faith walk is refusing to praise God because one is going through difficult situations.
May I say praise is not optional for the living. Yes! That includes the challenged or burdened living.
Ps 150:6 says .
“Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD.” Notice the only requirement to praise is one’s breath?”
Thankfully one’s praise is just the beginning of the story. The reason Psalms 67:5-6 says
“Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.”
I believe you didn’t miss out on anything I just said. That by giving God what you can afford (your praise), He gives you back what He can afford (the increase of the earth).
You should praise your way out of difficult situations rather than complain. Paul and Silas were held in chains behind bars with their fate hanging in the balance. Once they resorted to praise, prison doors opened of their own accord and their chains broke (Acts 16:16-26).
Jesus had a similar experience. He was right in the middle of nowhere preaching to the multitude where increase was a necessity. How else would 5 loaves and two fish feed a multitude? Having offered praise, the handful of loaves didn’t just feed the multitude, there were leftover baskets! (Luke 9:10-17)
There are no situational limitations to prosperity if God is on one’s side. If God be for you no economy can be against you (Rom 8:31). Isaac was in a land of famine but because God was on his side he flourished. Isaac’s famine-to-flourish case is full of valuable takeaways (Gen 26:12- 22).
First, we see that there was a time he was just great; then he went forward and became very great. His growth was progressive even though it happened in a year. We should learn to celebrate progression.
Isaac wasn’t envied until he had stores of servants. The moment he became a blessing to others (his servants), envy started. It should be noted that his “great store of servants” were not serving him directly but the business.
There’s no point increasing one’s overhead by paying wages for work that one can do oneself. You should only have employees when work necessitates it.
Isaac’s decision to invest into resources that supported his business is also noteworthy. He was re-opening wells dug by his father to provide water for his herds and not trying to start everything all over himself. Back then he understood recycling and reuse. What resources are around you that your business could take advantage of for less? Think on it!
Isaac’s focus is equally commendable. Although he was faced with tough opposition he didn’t quit his career. He only changed location from downtown to suburban Gerar. And he didn’t let the opposition get a hold on him. He kept digging new wells whenever there was contention.
When you begin to prosper expect challenge. Challenge should spur you and not overwhelm you. One of my daughters was having difficulty passing her board exams. In fact, she had failed six times and was almost giving in when she came to speak with me. I encouraged her to give it one more shot and lo and behold she passed the seventh time. Be tenacious!
Failure must not have the last say; you must be ready to dig your feet in and re-face whatever you have failed at before. That’s the only way you stand a chance of being victorious.
This week go back and challenge your failure. You must prevail and you will prevail in the name of Jesus Christ.
It shall be to you an evil-free and blessings-full week, so you will come back thankful!
