Are you good at math? I can vividly remember my first algebra class in junior high. My friend Tim was in the class with me. In a monotone voice the teacher introduced himself and then drew “x = ?” on the chalkboard. He then said unenthusiastically, “Algebra is about finding out what x is worth.” We then begin solving different problems. It wasn’t too long that things starting getting confusing for me. I wasn’t getting it, and what made matters worse, Tim was!
That experience began an unraveling of sorts in my life that left me not liking math, and lacking any confidence when came to it. It wasn’t until 15 years later when I earned my Private Pilot’s License that during the training process I learned that math could actually be fun and very useful. What was the difference? Besides having an amazing instructor, I was doing something I loved.
God has a math class too. Some people understand it, many don’t. Things like giving, generosity, and faith can be difficult to understand, but when it comes to money and the idea of God blessing His people the real problems begin.
There are those who teach faith as a formula to get wealth. There are those who teach poverty as a way to prove holiness. Certain ideas, doctrines, and even words have become so hotly contested that people feel about them like I did after that math class…not liking the subject and lacking any confidence in it.
This past December, while I was praying for my family and the new year that lay ahead, three words came to my mind: abundance, prosperity, and blessing. At first I wasn’t quite sure why those words would come to my mind, especially the first two, because I don’t use them very often for the reasons stated above. But I felt the insistence of God’s spirit, so I begin to pray:
God, I speak abundance, prosperity, and blessing over my family.
I spoke them over my wife Kathie, and then each of our children and my son-in-law. As I did I could feel something begin to surge within me. It was faith, but it had a passion attached to it that was different. I was familiar with those words, but it was as if I was understanding them for the first time. I could sense God saying to me that those words were important to Him and should be to me as well.
“You crown the year with Your goodness, and your paths drip with abundance.” (Ps 65:11)
Add a Comment