A few years ago a young woman flew out to Los Angeles from the East Coast with
the understanding that I would spend some time with her. She professed to be a
Christian, but her life was a mess. She was hearing demonic voices and was
plagued with numerous problems. I'm surprised the airplane stayed in the air
with her in it!
She told me that she had taken the first part of 3 John 2 as a personal promise:
"Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health."
"If God has promised prosperity, success and health to me, why is my life all
screwed up?" She complained.
"Finish the verse," I said.
". . .Just as your soul prospers," she continued.
I asked her pointedly, "How is your soul doing?" She told me she had submitted
to three abortions as a result of illicit sexual affairs and she was presently
living with another man outside of marriage. But she clung desperately to a
misquoted promise.
I believe God wants us to prosper, but we must leave the definition of
prosperity up to Him. In our sick Western world, we think prosperity is
materialism. Try preaching that prosperity gospel in India, Somalia, or any
Third World country. It's a cruel joke.
God is into soul prosperity. He wants our lives to be characterized by the fruit
of the Spirit. And when our soul prospers, "He who raised Christ Jesus from the
dead will also give life to your mortal bodies" (Romans 8:11).
Dr. Anderson, Freedom in Christ and Harvest House Publishers
www.ficm.org
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.