At Your Wit's End (Part 23)

The Apostle John wrote these words to New Testament believers in 3 John 1:2. He said:

"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers."

We conclude from this passage that we can pray for physical and spiritual prosperity and success in every area of life. Jehoshaphat found prayer vital in times of indecision. His request for God's assistance resulted in divine direction and victory over the enemy.

Intercession births revelation. In the Old Testament, revelation came to God's people from the outside in through prophets, kings, and judges. From New Testament times on, revelation has come from the inside out. It was birthed internally through intercession. A classic example is the Apostle John who was interceding on the Isle of Patmos when he received one of the greatest revelations of all times.

 Worldly wisdom says to retain your resources: "Stock up, save, tuck it away for a rainy day." God's Word teaches the principle of giving to receive. It encourages you to continually release your resources, such as your talents, gifts, time, abilities, and finances:
 
Ecclesiastes 11:6 "In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good.  

When you "sow your seed" and give of your resources then you are assured success because you always receive increased returns:

Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

As we've analyzed Jehoshaphat's response to his difficulties was to seek the Lord. If you want to prosper in all you do, resolve that you will continually seek the Lord.

Uzziah was only 16 years old when he became king of Israel and he reigned successfully for 52 years. The Bible declares in 2 Chronicles 26:4, 5 that "he did what was right in the sight of the Lord ...He sought God ...and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper."

I believe if you will apply these prophetic principles of success, you will prosper:

-Realize that true success comes from God. 
-Repent of your sins. 
-Rely on God's Word. 
-Request God's assistance. 
-Release your resources.  
-Resolve that you will seek the Lord.

Jehoshaphat told God's people, "Believe the prophets and you will prosper." You, not the enemy, will prosper. Make this declaration and claim this promise:

Jeremiah 20:11 "But the Lord is with me as a mighty, awesome One. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper. Their everlasting confusion will never be forgotten."