He opens their ears to correction and insists they repent from iniquity. If they serve Him obediently, they will end their days in prosperity and their years in happiness. But if they do not obey, they will cross the river of death and die without knowledge. Job 36:10-12 HCSB
There are some preachers on television who preach a message of prosperity. The message purports that if someone will obey God and do what He commands, then God will bless him with financial possessions, health, and a problem-free life. This may be the message people want to hear, but it is not Biblical.
Job’s friend, Elihu, had the same flawed view of God. He told Job that if he would only obey God that he would prosper and escape sorrow and if Job failed to obey, he would die. God may discipline someone, but He does not force obedience on anyone. He allows us the free will of choice. God’s discipline may not make us prosperous and pain-free, but it can guide us to make wise choices and save us from the judgment of God.
Certainly there are blessings that come when one obeys God and follows His teachings in the Bible, but there is no promise of prosperity. One does not have to look far to find someone who is not living for God that is blessed financially and someone else that is faithfully serving God but is facing financial and health concerns.
Challenge: Trust God and his discipline; it is for your own good. The righteous do not always prosper and too often the wicked undeservingly enjoy life’s blessings. What is God trying to say to you today? Ask God to open your ears to hear and accept His discipline in your life.