When I talk about prosperity, I like to say we need to have “prosperity with a purpose.” As I wrote, God blesses us so we can bless others. He does not want us to be needy; He wants us to be equipped to help people who are in need, and we cannot do that if all we are experiencing is lack.
When we don’t have enough to meet our own needs and the needs of our families or others for whom we are responsible, then it is very difficult to help other people in need. This is one reason God promises to provide for us and to do so abundantly.
To help other people, we need strength, good health, and clarity of mind. We need money to help people who are struggling financially. We need clothes to be able to share with people who need them. In 2 Corinthians 9:8, Paul teaches us that “God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].” The following verses say that God gives seed to a person who is willing to sow (see 2 Corinthians 9:9, 10). This means, if you are willing to share with others and meet their needs, God will not only meet your needs, He will give you an abundance of supply so you will always be able to give.
I encourage you to develop the mind-set that you are a generous giver. Look for ways to give and for needy people to whom you can give. The more you reach out to others, the happier you will be. Jesus said that we would always have the poor with us (see Matthew 26:11), and the Bible has more than two thousand Scriptures that deal with our responsibility to the poor and needy. Study what the Bible says about God’s provision and see you as one who meets needs rather than one who is needy.
Live with an attitude of expectancy. King David said, “[What, what would have become of me] had I not believed that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living!” (Psalm 27:13). To live expectantly is not the same as living with a sense of entitlement, which is an attitude that we deserve everything without doing anything. We don’t deserve anything from God, but in His mercy He wants us to live in holy expectancy so we can receive his best.
Expect bargains, but don’t settle for something you don’t really like just to get it for less money if you are able to pay more and get what you truly desire. Here is an example: I can remember going to buy a pair of shoes, finding what I really liked at the first store, but because they were not on sale I would spend several more hours going from store to store, trying to find them cheaper. When I finally saw what I was doing, it became apparent that my attitude was foolish because even if I found some shoes for less money, I had already spent what I saved in time and gas money looking for what I perceived as a bargain. Not only that, but I rarely liked them as much as the first pair and ended up feeling deprived. Even if you have been needy all of your life, that can change if you will do your part. Your part is to obey God, sow good seeds, have a vision of abundance and think and say right things that agree with God’s Word-and be persistent. Do what you have to right now because you cannot spend what you don’t have, but don’t believe you are stuck there forever.
I believe this is an important area and one where Satan fights hard to keep people deceived. He wants us to feel deprived because that ultimately produces self-pity, jealousy, envy, and a general feeling of discontent. You must be ready to be persistent in developing a new mind-set in this area. Meditate on and confess, “God meets all my needs abundantly.” As you continue doing this you will develop a healthy mind-set that will enable you to prosper in all areas.
I want to close this chapter with a passage of Scripture for you to meditate on, one that clearly and powerfully communicates what God wants to do for you. I urge you to read it and see it as a personal message from God to you. Let it sink into your heart and change your thinking. If you can develop a mindset based on the truths in this verse, you’ll find yourself more blessed than you ever thought possible.
And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]! (Isaiah 30:18)
Think about It
Do you believe God will bless you and make you a blessing to others? What do you have right now that you can share with someone in need?
