Down the road there is a new ‘church’ that openly states on
its website, “We believe in divine healing and prosperity through faith in the Name
of Jesus and obedience to His Word. These benefits are included in and are a
part of our Redemption.” It’s sad to see how many people are drawn to listen to
this false gospel in hopes that their life here on earth will get better. I
have to wonder if they realize they are not worshiping the true God but an idol
of health and wealth? Would they be more excited about winning the lottery than
they would about Jesus’ return?
We’d all like to live comfortably and free from physical and
mental illness, but that is not promised in Scripture. Max Lucado wrote in Tame Your Thoughts:
“Scripture makes three clear
statements about affliction. First, there is no pain-free option. ‘In the world
you will have tribulation’ (John 16:33 ESV)… Second, everyone does something
with their pain… Numb it… Run from it…
Third, pain displays God’s glory. We exist to make a big deal out of God” (ch.
10).
Job was a righteous man who had all kinds of wealth. But God
took it all away as an illustration for all of us that our lives are not about
how good and faithful we are, but how good and faithful God is. Our lives are
not about us.
The prophet Isaiah said, “For thus said the Lord God, the Holy
One of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in
trust shall be your strength.’ But you were unwilling” (Is. 30:14). That verse
led me to write the following in my prayer journal:
Israel was reluctant to rely on You, and often we’re
not much better today. I’d like to know the future so I can be prepared for it,
yet Your answer is “Trust Me.” I’d like to be strong enough and smart enough to
deal with whatever comes my way, but You say, “My strength is perfect.” I’d
like to plan all the details, but You say, “My thoughts are not your thoughts
and My ways are not your ways.” Lord, help me trust Your plans, Your purposes,
and Your power, because that is how You have designed us to function in Your
world!
Health and wealth and knowledge and power might temporarily
satisfy, but one Day soon God is going to ask each of us where our faith was really
placed, for “no one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and money”
(Matt. 6:24).
I’m relieved that faith isn’t proved by outward measures
like health and wealth. If that were true, I’d constantly be worried about how
much is enough. Instead, the pains, troubles, and losses in this world are a
constant reminder that this life is not all there is. On that final Day, all
those struggles will be forgotten like a passing shadow as we behold the glorious
Light of the World. When He makes all things new we will get to enjoy it, but
even then we’ll remember that none of it really matters compared to living in
perfect relationship with the One who created us and redeemed us by His love
and grace.
“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore
He exalts Himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed
are all those who wait for Him” (Is. 30:18).
© 2026 Dawn Rutan. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture are ESV and all images copyright free from pixabay.com. The opinions stated do not necessarily reflect the views of my church or employer.
