Seeking blessing from God goes far beyond money. We need His favor—which is anything but chump change.
The subject of blessing and prosperity has become very controversial among those in the church. We want to be blessed and live the abundant life Christ died to give us, yet we don’t want to approach God as if He is a lottery or a slot machine—if you put in the right amount of prayer, praise, worship, faith and good works, out comes your blessing.
Blessing and prosperity is more than money. The Hebrew word for prosperity is shalom. We often associate the word shalom with “peace,” but the peace that Christ went to war for on the cross is a complete, whole kind of peace. Shalom is “completeness, soundness, welfare and peace.” It represents completeness in number and safety and soundness in your physical body. Shalom also covers relationships with God and with people.
God’s thoughts concerning your peace and prosperity are much higher than you could imagine. It is His desire to bless and prosper you and to give you His grace, favor and protection. Favor means “grace,” or “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness,” as well as “goodwill, benefit, bounty, reward.” If you look up the Hebrew and Greek definitions of prosperity, many of these words carry over into favor as well.
Favor is goodwill. This is God’s kindness and benevolence given to those who love Him. Favor will release great blessings, including prosperity, health, opportunity and advancement. The Bible records numerous examples of God’s favor upon His people causing them to experience many breakthroughs. Favor is God’s lovingkindness.
Joseph experienced God’s favor and went from prison to palace. God will do the same for you. He can change your circumstances in one day, no matter where you are. This is when the favor of God is on your life.
Job was another man who was blessed and operated under the full favor and blessing of God. In Job 10:12 he confessed that his life and the favor he had were gifts from God. We don’t need luck. We need blessing; we need favor. God desires to release new favor on your life. When you have God’s favor and blessing, there is nothing that can hold you down.
When you begin to walk in the favor and blessing of the Lord, others will recognize it. The favor and blessing of God on your life is one of the most powerful things that can be released to you.
God says: “You don’t need money. You need My favor.” You need His shalom—the full measure of peace—to operate in your life. This is your gift from Him if you are His child, if you are in covenant with Him. God blesses His people and rescues them. Just as He did with the Israelites, God loved you and chose you despite who you are and what you have done. You are elected by God. He chose you. It wasn’t because of anything you’ve done. That is His favor!
God will not only save you and wash you, but He will also dress you up, put jewels on you and beautify you. The grace and favor of God on your life will cause you to go into a place of prosperity. He will also multiply you and bless you.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue. We can choose blessing by choosing to live and speak correctly. God is ready to release new favor, blessing, prosperity, protection and peace over you. It is His desire to give you good things. Now get ready to receive them.
John Eckhardt is overseer of Crusaders Ministries in Chicago. He is an international conference speaker and produces a weekly television program, Perfecting the Saints. He is also the author of more than 20 books, including Prayers That Activate Blessings.
