3 John - Steve Wiggins Daily Devotional

“Dear friend, I pray that you may prosper in every way and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John v.2

It’s a natural inclination to value our physical needs above spiritual ones. Most often, we have a higher opinion of G_d when we’re successful. We generally say, “G_d is good, because I have everything I need.” Ironically, we call on G_d less when we are successful.

When times are difficult, we generally have a lower opinion of G_d. We ask, “L_rd, why are You allowing these troubles?” Strangely though, it’s during hard times that we call on G_d the most…because we’re most aware of our helplessness.

Here’s what Yeshua says our priorities should be:

“Seek first the kingdom of G_d, and His righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you.” Matt 6:33

The bottom line: For many of us, a paradigm shift is in order. We must move beyond the concept of G_d, which views Him as a “genie”, whom we order to provide things we want. Instead, we must acknowledge Him as Lord and recognize the un-surpassingly abundant value of His grace towards us…something He has already done for us. If we had proper value for what He has done for us, we would be more likely ask what we could do for Him!

Whenever earthly prosperity (or the lack thereof) is more important than spiritual prosperity, our relationship with G_d loses out. G_d’s top priority is for His purposes to be accomplished. While He doesn’t need us to establish His agenda, yet He chooses to give us a limited participation in the process.

As a general rule, the acquisition of earthly abundance is not an adequate means to establish our long-term faithfulness. Conversely, it is our enduring of hardship and our experiencing of G_d’s faithfulness through adversity, which draws us closer to Him. It is only after we recognize the frailness of our humanity that we best perceive our dependence on Him.

What if our EARTHLY prosperity & health were in proportion to our SPIRITUAL prosperity & health? What if they were dependant on it? How would you fare? Suppose someone followed us around, taking notes. What if, after a month, he had to write you a “blessing”? Would he hope you would prosper “as your soul prospers”; or would he hope your soul could catch up with your physical and worldly prosperity?

I pray that as you grow in Messiah, your health and earthly success would match your spiritual awakening.

Blessings,
~Steve Wiggins, Associate Leader, Worship Leader
Shuvah Yisrael
Daily Devotional, Thursday, December 12, 2013