Get rich but don't die trying.

In a world where financial strain is a reality for many, we find ourselves working harder than ever. Whether it’s to make ends meet, get ahead, or pursue our dreams, the hustle is real. Multiple jobs, side hustles, and constant striving characterize our daily grind. Yet, even amid these challenges, there is a profound truth: God remains faithful, and His principles haven’t changed. If we align with His principles, He will deliver on His promises.
There’s a story about a young man in prison who called his mom for help. She sent him a Bible with $1,000 hidden within its pages and encouraged him to pray and read the Word. Despite her insistence, the young man never opened the Bible and missed out on the provision waiting for him. Often, we’re the same. We seek solutions but neglect God’s Word, where His promises and provision are found.
Proverbs 10:22 tells us, “The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” This scripture reveals that God’s blessing is a catalyst for the good things we desire in life. Wealth, health, and success are not blessings in themselves but outcomes of being blessed. The blessing of God activates these outcomes, much like an activator is needed to make hair dye effective. Without God’s blessing, no amount of effort or wealth will yield lasting results.
Deuteronomy 28 outlines the blessings that come from obeying God. These blessings cover every aspect of life: our homes, work, children, and health. God’s desire is to lift us to positions of influence and abundance, reflecting His goodness to the world. However, His blessings require our cooperation. Obedience to His commands is the key to unlocking these blessings.
Unfortunately, there are things that can block God’s blessings. Two significant blockers are the pursuit of pleasure and the desire for comfort. Lets talk about them.
The god of Pleasure
In Exodus 32, while Moses was on Mount Sinai, the Israelites grew impatient and crafted a golden calf to worship. They prioritized their desires over their devotion to God, sacrificing their wealth and energy on temporary gratification.
Like the Israelites, we often prioritize our happiness over God’s glory. We sacrifice for careers, vacations, and personal enjoyment but hesitate to sacrifice for Jesus. True worship involves sacrifice, because prioritizing pleasure over purpose diminishes our relationship with God.
Choose purpose over pleasure. A life of purpose is more fulfilling than fleeting pleasure. Pursuing pleasure, like surfing, is a temporary high at best and leaves us searching for the next wave. Seek purpose, and you’ll find the fulfillment God intends for your life.
The god of Comfort
In Numbers 11, the Israelites complained about their discomfort in the wilderness, longing for the “comfort” of Egypt. They focused on their physical needs instead of trusting God to sustain them.
Here's the thing, discomfort is often the vehicle God uses to teach us trust. The daily provision of manna was not about food but about building faith. Similarly, the tensions in our lives are opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God.
So we have to Embrace the Process. Trust God one day at a time, knowing that discomfort is temporary. As 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 reminds us, our present troubles are small and won’t last forever, but they produce eternal glory.
Ephesians 1:3 declares that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. These blessings include health, wealth, peace, joy, and more. However, just as a child isn’t ready to drive at birth, we must grow spiritually to fully experience these blessings.
The key to living a blessed life is a growing relationship with Jesus. Our union with Him grants us access to every spiritual blessing. If your life doesn’t yet reflect these blessings, don’t lose heart. Growth takes time, and as you deepen your relationship with Jesus, His blessings will manifest more fully in your life.
Conclusion
To live a life of blessing, we must overcome the gods of pleasure and comfort and surrender fully to the God of heaven. Embrace purpose over pleasure, trust God through discomfort, and grow in your relationship with Jesus. As you do, you’ll experience the fullness of His blessings, reflecting His goodness in your life.
What step will you take today to align with God’s principles and activate His blessings in your life?
There’s a story about a young man in prison who called his mom for help. She sent him a Bible with $1,000 hidden within its pages and encouraged him to pray and read the Word. Despite her insistence, the young man never opened the Bible and missed out on the provision waiting for him. Often, we’re the same. We seek solutions but neglect God’s Word, where His promises and provision are found.
Proverbs 10:22 tells us, “The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” This scripture reveals that God’s blessing is a catalyst for the good things we desire in life. Wealth, health, and success are not blessings in themselves but outcomes of being blessed. The blessing of God activates these outcomes, much like an activator is needed to make hair dye effective. Without God’s blessing, no amount of effort or wealth will yield lasting results.
Deuteronomy 28 outlines the blessings that come from obeying God. These blessings cover every aspect of life: our homes, work, children, and health. God’s desire is to lift us to positions of influence and abundance, reflecting His goodness to the world. However, His blessings require our cooperation. Obedience to His commands is the key to unlocking these blessings.
Unfortunately, there are things that can block God’s blessings. Two significant blockers are the pursuit of pleasure and the desire for comfort. Lets talk about them.
The god of Pleasure
In Exodus 32, while Moses was on Mount Sinai, the Israelites grew impatient and crafted a golden calf to worship. They prioritized their desires over their devotion to God, sacrificing their wealth and energy on temporary gratification.
Like the Israelites, we often prioritize our happiness over God’s glory. We sacrifice for careers, vacations, and personal enjoyment but hesitate to sacrifice for Jesus. True worship involves sacrifice, because prioritizing pleasure over purpose diminishes our relationship with God.
Choose purpose over pleasure. A life of purpose is more fulfilling than fleeting pleasure. Pursuing pleasure, like surfing, is a temporary high at best and leaves us searching for the next wave. Seek purpose, and you’ll find the fulfillment God intends for your life.
The god of Comfort
In Numbers 11, the Israelites complained about their discomfort in the wilderness, longing for the “comfort” of Egypt. They focused on their physical needs instead of trusting God to sustain them.
Here's the thing, discomfort is often the vehicle God uses to teach us trust. The daily provision of manna was not about food but about building faith. Similarly, the tensions in our lives are opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God.
So we have to Embrace the Process. Trust God one day at a time, knowing that discomfort is temporary. As 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 reminds us, our present troubles are small and won’t last forever, but they produce eternal glory.
Ephesians 1:3 declares that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. These blessings include health, wealth, peace, joy, and more. However, just as a child isn’t ready to drive at birth, we must grow spiritually to fully experience these blessings.
The key to living a blessed life is a growing relationship with Jesus. Our union with Him grants us access to every spiritual blessing. If your life doesn’t yet reflect these blessings, don’t lose heart. Growth takes time, and as you deepen your relationship with Jesus, His blessings will manifest more fully in your life.
Conclusion
To live a life of blessing, we must overcome the gods of pleasure and comfort and surrender fully to the God of heaven. Embrace purpose over pleasure, trust God through discomfort, and grow in your relationship with Jesus. As you do, you’ll experience the fullness of His blessings, reflecting His goodness in your life.
What step will you take today to align with God’s principles and activate His blessings in your life?